US Bridges

Mn 61 over Cascade River

Fair

Cook County, Minnesota · 9.9 MI NE of Lutsen · Structure no. 5132

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,650
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 61 over Cascade River is a concrete culvert carrying Mn 61 over Cascade River in Cook County, Minnesota. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 3,650 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,650 by 2036. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesMn 61
CrossesCascade River
Location9.9 MI NE of Lutsen
RouteState Highway 61
Coordinates47.70713, -90.52274
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 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
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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$238 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mn 61 over Cascade River built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 61 over Cascade 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 2021.

How much traffic does Mn 61 over Cascade River carry?

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

How long is Mn 61 over Cascade River?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m).

Who owns Mn 61 over Cascade River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.