US Bridges

CR 51 over S Br Buffalo River

Good

Clay County, Minnesota · 0.4 MI E of JCT CR 54 · Structure no. 92694

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
78 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
55
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 51 over S Br Buffalo River is a wood or timber slab carrying CR 51 over S Br Buffalo River in Clay County, Minnesota. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 years old, older 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 55 vehicles a day, projected to reach 55 by 2039. The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesCR 51
CrossesS Br Buffalo River
Location0.4 MI E of JCT CR 54
RouteCounty Highway 51
Coordinates46.64515, -96.57916
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.7 US tons
Inventory rating34.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length78 ft (23.8 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic55 (2017)
Projected traffic55 by 2039
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 CR 51 over S Br Buffalo River built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 51 over S Br 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does CR 51 over S Br Buffalo River carry?

About 55 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is CR 51 over S Br Buffalo River?

The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns CR 51 over S Br Buffalo River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.