US Bridges

US 71 over Billy Creek

Good

Koochiching County, Minnesota · 2.0 MI SW of JCT TH 6 · Structure no. 96218

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
695
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 over Billy Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 71 over Billy Creek in Koochiching County, Minnesota. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 695 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 590 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.1 mi (79 km).

CarriesUS 71
CrossesBilly Creek
Location2.0 MI SW of JCT TH 6
RouteU.S. Route 71
Coordinates48.16613, -93.83073
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.5 m)
Longest span13 ft (4.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic695 (2022)
Projected traffic590 by 2042
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.1 mi (79 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 Billy Creek built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 71 over Billy 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US 71 over Billy Creek carry?

About 695 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 71 over Billy Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4.1 m).

Who owns US 71 over Billy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.