US Bridges

US 212 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

McLeod County, Minnesota · 5.5 MI W of JCT TH 22 · Structure no. 43010

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
174 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,016
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 212 over Buffalo Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 212 over Buffalo Creek in McLeod County, Minnesota. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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 4,016 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,500 by 2041. The structure is 174 ft (53 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 212
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location5.5 MI W of JCT TH 22
RouteU.S. Route 212
CountyMcLeod County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.73224, -94.31834
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71.5 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length174 ft (53 m)
Longest span66 ft (20.1 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,016 (2021)
Projected traffic4,500 by 2041
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 212 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 212 over Buffalo Creek 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US 212 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 4,016 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is US 212 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 174 ft (53 m) long with a longest span of 66 ft (20.1 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns US 212 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.