US Bridges

Mn 56 over Ditch

Fair

Dakota County, Minnesota · 2.6 MI S of JCT TH 52 · Structure no. 8709

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,632
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 56 over Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying Mn 56 over Ditch in Dakota County, Minnesota. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 2,632 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,000 by 2042. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesMn 56
CrossesDitch
Location2.6 MI S of JCT TH 52
RouteState Highway 56
CountyDakota County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.56145, -92.99486
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 2024
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 rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,632 (2022)
Projected traffic2,000 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 56 over Ditch built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 56 over Ditch 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 2024.

How much traffic does Mn 56 over Ditch carry?

About 2,632 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Mn 56 over Ditch?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns Mn 56 over Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.