Csah 3 over Elk Creek

FairPosted for load

Nobles County, Minnesota · 0.2 MI S of JCT Csah 14 · Structure no. 53506

Built: 1965; 60 years old
Condition: Fair; inspected October 2023
Type: Slab; Wood or Timber
Length: 62 ft; 3 main spans
Daily traffic: 185; 2019 count
Owner: County; County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Csah 3 over Elk Creek is a wood or timber slab carrying Csah 3 over Elk Creek in Nobles County, Minnesota. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 185 vehicles a day, projected to reach 255 by 2039. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCsah 3

CrossesElk Creek

Location0.2 MI S of JCT Csah 14

RouteCounty Highway 3

CountyNobles County

StateMinnesota

Coordinates43.70075, -95.53313

Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

Component	Rating	Meaning
Deck	6 Satisfactory	Structural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure	6 Satisfactory	Structural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure	5 Fair	All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection	6 Satisfactory	Structural elements show some minor deterioration.

Last inspectionOctober 2023

Inspection intervalevery 24 months

Operating statusPosted for load restriction

ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions

Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is

Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria

Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria

Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria

Operating rating48.6 US tons

Inventory rating33.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab

MaterialWood or Timber

DeckWood or timber

Main spans3

Design loadH 20

Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)

Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)

Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)

Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)

Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic185 (2019)

Projected traffic255 by 2039

Trucks—

Lanes on structure2

Traffic directionTwo-way traffic

CarriesHighway

CrossesWaterway

Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)

TollOn a free road

National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency

Maintained byCounty Highway Agency

Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places

Work proposedNone recorded

Estimated improvement cost$111 million

NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Csah 3 over Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Csah 3 over Elk 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 Csah 3 over Elk Creek carry?

About 185 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Csah 3 over Elk Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Csah 3 over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.