US Bridges

US 71 over Stream

Fair

Cottonwood County, Minnesota · 6.3 MI S of Sanborn · Structure no. 91005

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,606
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 over Stream is a concrete culvert carrying US 71 over Stream in Cottonwood County, Minnesota. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 1,606 vehicles a day, roughly 40% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,350 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

CarriesUS 71
CrossesStream
Location6.3 MI S of Sanborn
RouteU.S. Route 71
Coordinates44.10458, -95.12037
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length31 ft (9.3 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 traffic1,606 (2022)
Projected traffic2,350 by 2042
Trucks40%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$189 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 71 over Stream built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 71 over Stream 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 US 71 over Stream carry?

About 1,606 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 40% are trucks.

How long is US 71 over Stream?

The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns US 71 over Stream?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.