US Bridges

Csah 56 over Blue Creek

PoorPosted for load

Otter Tail County, Minnesota · 2 MI W;s JCT Csah 19 · Structure no. 92707

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
195
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Csah 56 over Blue Creek is a steel culvert carrying Csah 56 over Blue Creek in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 years old, older than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 195 vehicles a day, projected to reach 195 by 2039. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

CarriesCsah 56
CrossesBlue Creek
Location2 MI W;s JCT Csah 19
RouteCounty Highway 56
Coordinates46.53562, -95.27015
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: 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 rating18 US tons
Inventory rating14.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic195 (2015)
Projected traffic195 by 2039
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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$144 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Csah 56 over Blue Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Csah 56 over Blue Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does Csah 56 over Blue Creek carry?

About 195 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is Csah 56 over Blue Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m).

Who owns Csah 56 over Blue Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.