US Bridges

Mn 7 over Otter Creek

Fair

McLeod County, Minnesota · 6.0 MI E of Silver Lake · Structure no. 4553

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,626
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 7 over Otter Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Mn 7 over Otter Creek in McLeod County, Minnesota. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 7,626 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,700 by 2041. The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMn 7
CrossesOtter Creek
Location6.0 MI E of Silver Lake
RouteState Highway 7
CountyMcLeod County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.90626, -94.07352
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 inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum 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 length31 ft (9.6 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,626 (2021)
Projected traffic6,700 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$162 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mn 7 over Otter Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 7 over Otter 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Mn 7 over Otter Creek carry?

About 7,626 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Mn 7 over Otter Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m).

Who owns Mn 7 over Otter Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.