US Bridges

Mn 61 over Flute Reed River

Fair

Cook County, Minnesota · 0.2 MI NE of Hovland · Structure no. 16001

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,198
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 61 over Flute Reed River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mn 61 over Flute Reed River in Cook County, Minnesota. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 1,198 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,350 by 2042. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMn 61
CrossesFlute Reed River
Location0.2 MI NE of Hovland
RouteState Highway 61
CountyCook County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates47.84387, -89.96243
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating98.4 US tons
Inventory rating59 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.6 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.1 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,198 (2022)
Projected traffic1,350 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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 Mn 61 over Flute Reed River built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 61 over Flute Reed 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 Mn 61 over Flute Reed River carry?

About 1,198 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Mn 61 over Flute Reed River?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.6 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns Mn 61 over Flute Reed River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.