US Bridges

Mn 91 over Norwegian Creek

Fair

Nobles County, Minnesota · 0.7 MI N of Ellsworth · Structure no. 6366

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
657
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 91 over Norwegian Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Mn 91 over Norwegian Creek in Nobles County, Minnesota. It was built in 1946, so it is 79 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.

It carries about 657 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 650 by 2042. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMn 91
CrossesNorwegian Creek
Location0.7 MI N of Ellsworth
RouteState Highway 91
CountyNobles County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates43.52696, -96.01826
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic657 (2022)
Projected traffic650 by 2042
Trucks21%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$135 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mn 91 over Norwegian Creek built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 91 over Norwegian 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 2023.

How much traffic does Mn 91 over Norwegian Creek carry?

About 657 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is Mn 91 over Norwegian Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns Mn 91 over Norwegian Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.