US Bridges

Csah 51 over Otter Tail River

Fair

Otter Tail County, Minnesota · 2.3 MI N of JCT TH 10 · Structure no. 56503

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
75 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,300
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Csah 51 over Otter Tail River is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying Csah 51 over Otter Tail River in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 2,300 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,300 by 2039. The structure is 75 ft (23 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

CarriesCsah 51
CrossesOtter Tail River
Location2.3 MI N of JCT TH 10
RouteCounty Highway 51
Coordinates46.62704, -95.57507
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.3 US tons
Inventory rating40.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length75 ft (23 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.7 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,300 (2015)
Projected traffic2,300 by 2039
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$291 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Csah 51 over Otter Tail River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is Csah 51 over Otter Tail 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 Csah 51 over Otter Tail River carry?

About 2,300 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is Csah 51 over Otter Tail River?

The structure is 75 ft (23 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Csah 51 over Otter Tail River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.