US Bridges

US 10 over Leaf River

Fair

Otter Tail County, Minnesota · In Bluffton · Structure no. 56017

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
101 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,332
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 10 over Leaf River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 10 over Leaf River in Otter Tail 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 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 3,332 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,500 by 2041. The structure is 101 ft (30.8 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

CarriesUS 10
CrossesLeaf River
LocationIn Bluffton
RouteU.S. Route 10
Coordinates46.46684, -95.2217
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating76.3 US tons
Inventory rating45.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length101 ft (30.8 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.2 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,332 (2021)
Projected traffic3,500 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 Leaf River built?

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

What condition is US 10 over Leaf 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 10 over Leaf River carry?

About 3,332 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 10 over Leaf River?

The structure is 101 ft (30.8 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.2 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 10 over Leaf River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.