US 71 over Little Fork River
PoorKoochiching County, Minnesota · 1.5 MI N of Little Fork · Structure no. 36013
- Built
- 1980
- 45 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected July 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Prestressed Concrete
- Length
- 466 ft
- 5 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 1,458
- 2022 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
US 71 over Little Fork River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 71 over Little Fork River in Koochiching County, Minnesota. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, older than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.
The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
It carries about 1,458 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,700 by 2042. The structure is 466 ft (142 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was US 71 over Little Fork River built?
It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.
What condition is US 71 over Little Fork River in?
The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.
How much traffic does US 71 over Little Fork River carry?
About 1,458 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.
How long is US 71 over Little Fork River?
The structure is 466 ft (142 m) long with a longest span of 93 ft (28.3 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.
Who owns US 71 over Little Fork River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.