US Bridges

Mn 61 over Poplar River

Fair

Cook County, Minnesota · At Lutsen · Structure no. 5089

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
55 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,650
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 61 over Poplar River is a concrete culvert carrying Mn 61 over Poplar River in Cook County, Minnesota. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 3,650 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,650 by 2036. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMn 61
CrossesPoplar River
LocationAt Lutsen
RouteState Highway 61
CountyCook County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates47.63884, -90.70802
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,650 (2016)
Projected traffic3,650 by 2036
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 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$178 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mn 61 over Poplar River built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 61 over Poplar 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Mn 61 over Poplar River carry?

About 3,650 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Mn 61 over Poplar River?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m).

Who owns Mn 61 over Poplar River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.