US Bridges

US 59 over Elk Creek

Fair

Nobles County, Minnesota · 3.2 MI N of Worthington · Structure no. 6173

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,942
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Elk Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 59 over Elk Creek in Nobles County, Minnesota. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 2,942 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,750 by 2042. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

CarriesUS 59
CrossesElk Creek
Location3.2 MI N of Worthington
RouteU.S. Route 59
Coordinates43.67251, -95.59325
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable 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 length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,942 (2022)
Projected traffic3,750 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 59 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 59 over Elk Creek carry?

About 2,942 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over Elk Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m).

Who owns US 59 over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.