US Bridges

Mn 61 over Caribou River

Fair

Lake County, Minnesota · 11.1 MI N of JCT TH 1 · Structure no. 5278

Built
1924
101 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,000
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 61 over Caribou River is a concrete culvert carrying Mn 61 over Caribou River in Lake County, Minnesota. It was built in 1924, so it is 101 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 5 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 3,000 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,000 by 2038. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

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CarriesMn 61
CrossesCaribou River
Location11.1 MI N of JCT TH 1
RouteState Highway 61
CountyLake County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates47.46402, -91.03049
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 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 traffic3,000 (2018)
Projected traffic3,000 by 2038
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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 Mn 61 over Caribou River built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 61 over Caribou 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Mn 61 over Caribou River carry?

About 3,000 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Mn 61 over Caribou River?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns Mn 61 over Caribou River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.