US Bridges

Mn 15 over Clearwater River

Good

Meeker County, Minnesota · 3.2 MI S of Kimball · Structure no. 6359

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,419
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 15 over Clearwater River is a concrete culvert carrying Mn 15 over Clearwater River in Meeker County, Minnesota. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 years old, older than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,419 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,150 by 2041. The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesMn 15
CrossesClearwater River
Location3.2 MI S of Kimball
RouteState Highway 15
Coordinates45.26343, -94.31232
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 length22 ft (6.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,419 (2021)
Projected traffic4,150 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$70 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mn 15 over Clearwater River built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 15 over Clearwater River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does Mn 15 over Clearwater River carry?

About 4,419 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Mn 15 over Clearwater River?

The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.2 m).

Who owns Mn 15 over Clearwater River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.