US Bridges

US 59 over Pelican River

Fair

Otter Tail County, Minnesota · 0.7 MI N of JCT Csah 24 · Structure no. 4199

Built
1924
101 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Concrete
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,325
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Pelican River is a concrete girder and floorbeam system carrying US 59 over Pelican River in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It was built in 1924, so it is 101 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 3,325 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,700 by 2042. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 59
CrossesPelican River
Location0.7 MI N of JCT Csah 24
RouteU.S. Route 59
CountyOtter Tail County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates46.49451, -96.09159
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating62.3 US tons
Inventory rating37.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.7 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,325 (2022)
Projected traffic3,700 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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$207 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 59 over Pelican River built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 59 over Pelican 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 2023.

How much traffic does US 59 over Pelican River carry?

About 3,325 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over Pelican River?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.7 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US 59 over Pelican River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.