US Bridges

US 10 over Buffalo River

Fair

Clay County, Minnesota · In Hawley · Structure no. 9026

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
57 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,904
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 10 over Buffalo River is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 10 over Buffalo River in Clay County, Minnesota. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 6 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 6,904 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,200 by 2042. The structure is 57 ft (17.5 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 10
CrossesBuffalo River
LocationIn Hawley
RouteU.S. Route 10
CountyClay County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates46.87711, -96.31133
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69.4 US tons
Inventory rating41.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length57 ft (17.5 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.3 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,904 (2022)
Projected traffic6,200 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 10 over Buffalo River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 10 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US 10 over Buffalo River carry?

About 6,904 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 10 over Buffalo River?

The structure is 57 ft (17.5 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.3 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns US 10 over Buffalo River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.