US Bridges

M 171 over Otter Tail River

Fair

Otter Tail County, Minnesota · 0.6 MI E of Concord ST · Structure no. 56518

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
93 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
625
1989 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

M 171 over Otter Tail River is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying M 171 over Otter Tail 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 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 625 vehicles a day, projected to reach 625 by 2029. The structure is 93 ft (28.4 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesM 171
CrossesOtter Tail River
Location0.6 MI E of Concord ST
RouteCity Street 171
Coordinates46.28485, -96.04942
Functional classUrban 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length93 ft (28.4 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.5 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic625 (1989)
Projected traffic625 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 M 171 over Otter Tail River built?

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

What condition is M 171 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does M 171 over Otter Tail River carry?

About 625 vehicles per day (1989 count).

How long is M 171 over Otter Tail River?

The structure is 93 ft (28.4 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.5 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns M 171 over Otter Tail River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.