US Bridges

Csah 26 over Buffalo River

Good

Clay County, Minnesota · 2.1 MI W of JCT Csah 11 · Structure no. 14520

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
349 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,181
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Csah 26 over Buffalo River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Csah 26 over Buffalo River in Clay County, Minnesota. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,181 vehicles a day, roughly 35% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,850 by 2041. The structure is 349 ft (106.3 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesCsah 26
CrossesBuffalo River
Location2.1 MI W of JCT Csah 11
RouteCounty Highway 26
Coordinates46.97744, -96.69108
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.7 US tons
Inventory rating47.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length349 ft (106.3 m)
Longest span95 ft (29 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,181 (2021)
Projected traffic2,850 by 2041
Trucks35%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Csah 26 over Buffalo River built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is Csah 26 over Buffalo River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does Csah 26 over Buffalo River carry?

About 2,181 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 35% are trucks.

How long is Csah 26 over Buffalo River?

The structure is 349 ft (106.3 m) long with a longest span of 95 ft (29 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Csah 26 over Buffalo River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.