US Bridges

US 61 over Ditch

Fair

Houston County, Minnesota · 0.6 MI N of LA Crescent · Structure no. 8263

Built
1926
99 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
16,334
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 61 over Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying US 61 over Ditch in Houston County, Minnesota. It was built in 1926, so it is 99 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 16,334 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,500 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 61
CrossesDitch
Location0.6 MI N of LA Crescent
RouteU.S. Route 61
CountyHouston County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates43.84572, -91.29827
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating28.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.3 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,334 (2022)
Projected traffic13,500 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Ditch built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 61 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 61 over Ditch carry?

About 16,334 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 61 over Ditch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns US 61 over Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.