US Bridges

M 5 over Buffalo River

Fair

Clay County, Minnesota · 0.2 MI W of JCT CR 100 · Structure no. L9902

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
35
1986 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

M 5 over Buffalo River is a concrete culvert carrying M 5 over Buffalo River in Clay County, Minnesota. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 35 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2029. The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM 5
CrossesBuffalo River
Location0.2 MI W of JCT CR 100
RouteCity Street 5
CountyClay County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates47.07836, -96.79802
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating59.4 US tons
Inventory rating39.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length33 ft (10 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (1986)
Projected traffic35 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 M 5 over Buffalo River built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is M 5 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does M 5 over Buffalo River carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (1986 count).

How long is M 5 over Buffalo River?

The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns M 5 over Buffalo River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.