US Bridges

US 61 over Wells Creek

Good

Goodhue County, Minnesota · 5.5 MI NW of S JCT TH 63 · Structure no. 25008

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
149 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,286
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 61 over Wells Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 61 over Wells Creek in Goodhue County, Minnesota. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 years old, older than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 6,286 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,000 by 2042. The structure is 149 ft (45.3 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS 61
CrossesWells Creek
Location5.5 MI NW of S JCT TH 63
RouteU.S. Route 61
Coordinates44.50682, -92.33288
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 rating56.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.6 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length149 ft (45.3 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.8 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,286 (2022)
Projected traffic7,000 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 61 over Wells Creek built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 61 over Wells Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does US 61 over Wells Creek carry?

About 6,286 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 61 over Wells Creek?

The structure is 149 ft (45.3 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.8 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns US 61 over Wells Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.