US Bridges

US 59 over Pelican River

Good

Otter Tail County, Minnesota · 3.7 MI SW of S JCT TH 34 · Structure no. 56027

Built
2012
13 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
72 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,266
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Pelican River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 59 over Pelican River in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It was built in 2012, so it is 13 years old, younger than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,266 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,600 by 2042. The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

CarriesUS 59
CrossesPelican River
Location3.7 MI SW of S JCT TH 34
RouteU.S. Route 59
Coordinates46.61103, -96.05304
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating67.5 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length72 ft (21.9 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.6 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,266 (2022)
Projected traffic2,600 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 59 over Pelican River built?

It was built in 2012, making it 13 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 59 over Pelican River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does US 59 over Pelican River carry?

About 2,266 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over Pelican River?

The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns US 59 over Pelican River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.