US Bridges

US 10 over Ottertail River

Fair

Otter Tail County, Minnesota · 1.6 MI E of JCT TH 78 · Structure no. 56013

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
97 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,680
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 10 over Ottertail River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 10 over Ottertail River in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 3,680 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,250 by 2041. The structure is 97 ft (29.7 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS 10
CrossesOttertail River
Location1.6 MI E of JCT TH 78
RouteU.S. Route 10
Coordinates46.57562, -95.54396
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98.3 US tons
Inventory rating37.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length97 ft (29.7 m)
Longest span96 ft (29.3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,680 (2021)
Projected traffic3,250 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 10 over Ottertail River built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 10 over Ottertail 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US 10 over Ottertail River carry?

About 3,680 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 10 over Ottertail River?

The structure is 97 ft (29.7 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 10 over Ottertail River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.