US Bridges

US 59 over Cottonwood River

Fair

Lyon County, Minnesota · 13.5 MI S of Marshall · Structure no. 6175

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,597
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Cottonwood River is a concrete culvert carrying US 59 over Cottonwood River in Lyon County, Minnesota. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 2,597 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,950 by 2042. The structure is 27 ft (8.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 59
CrossesCottonwood River
Location13.5 MI S of Marshall
RouteU.S. Route 59
Coordinates44.2665, -95.75548
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 inspectionNovember 2024
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 length27 ft (8.1 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,597 (2022)
Projected traffic2,950 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$78 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 59 over Cottonwood River built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 59 over Cottonwood 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 59 over Cottonwood River carry?

About 2,597 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over Cottonwood River?

The structure is 27 ft (8.1 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US 59 over Cottonwood River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.