US Bridges

US 59 over Wild Rice River

Fair

Mahnomen County, Minnesota · 1.4 MI S of JCT TH 200 · Structure no. 44002

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
122 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,950
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Wild Rice River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 59 over Wild Rice River in Mahnomen County, Minnesota. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 3,950 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,200 by 2038. The structure is 122 ft (37.3 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS 59
CrossesWild Rice River
Location1.4 MI S of JCT TH 200
RouteU.S. Route 59
Coordinates47.30592, -95.95531
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating88.2 US tons
Inventory rating59.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length122 ft (37.3 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.4 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,950 (2018)
Projected traffic4,200 by 2038
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 59 over Wild Rice River built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 59 over Wild Rice 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US 59 over Wild Rice River carry?

About 3,950 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over Wild Rice River?

The structure is 122 ft (37.3 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.4 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns US 59 over Wild Rice River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.