US Bridges

US 71 over Straight River

Fair

Hubbard County, Minnesota · 3.0 MI S of Park Rapids · Structure no. 8336

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,567
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 over Straight River is a concrete culvert carrying US 71 over Straight River in Hubbard County, Minnesota. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 4,567 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,700 by 2042. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

CarriesUS 71
CrossesStraight River
Location3.0 MI S of Park Rapids
RouteU.S. Route 71
Coordinates46.87483, -95.06603
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 inspectionJuly 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,567 (2022)
Projected traffic5,700 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 71 over Straight River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 71 over Straight 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 71 over Straight River carry?

About 4,567 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 71 over Straight River?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 71 over Straight River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.