US Bridges

CR 56 over Little Rock River

Fair

Nobles County, Minnesota · 1.9 MI E of JCT Csah 13 · Structure no. 91354

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
41 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 56 over Little Rock River is a steel culvert carrying CR 56 over Little Rock River in Nobles County, Minnesota. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2039. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesCR 56
CrossesLittle Rock River
Location1.9 MI E of JCT Csah 13
RouteCounty Highway 56
Coordinates43.57261, -95.75658
Functional classRural Local

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 inspectionOctober 2024
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 rating28.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2015)
Projected traffic50 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 56 over Little Rock River built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 56 over Little Rock 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does CR 56 over Little Rock River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is CR 56 over Little Rock River?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.6 m).

Who owns CR 56 over Little Rock River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.