US Bridges

Mn 32 over Buffalo River

Fair

Clay County, Minnesota · 0.9 MI N of JCT TH 10 · Structure no. 6656

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Concrete
Length
61 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,082
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 32 over Buffalo River is a concrete girder and floorbeam system carrying Mn 32 over Buffalo River in Clay County, Minnesota. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 years old, older than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 2,082 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,050 by 2042. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMn 32
CrossesBuffalo River
Location0.9 MI N of JCT TH 10
RouteState Highway 32
CountyClay County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates46.88901, -96.25895
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating45.2 US tons
Inventory rating27.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.2 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,082 (2022)
Projected traffic2,050 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$210 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mn 32 over Buffalo River built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 32 over Buffalo River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does Mn 32 over Buffalo River carry?

About 2,082 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Mn 32 over Buffalo River?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.2 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Mn 32 over Buffalo River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.