US Bridges

US 71 over Ditch

Fair

Kandiyohi County, Minnesota · 3.9 MI N of Willmar · Structure no. 8757

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
17,300
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 over Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying US 71 over Ditch in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 17,300 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,400 by 2038. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

CarriesUS 71
CrossesDitch
Location3.9 MI N of Willmar
RouteU.S. Route 71
Coordinates45.16829, -95.01524
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 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 traffic17,300 (2018)
Projected traffic17,400 by 2038
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 71 over Ditch built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 71 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 2023.

How much traffic does US 71 over Ditch carry?

About 17,300 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 71 over Ditch?

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

Who owns US 71 over Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.