US Bridges

Mn 78 over Lake Channel

Good

Otter Tail County, Minnesota · 0.6 MI S of S JCT TH 108 · Structure no. 97381

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,761
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 78 over Lake Channel is a concrete culvert carrying Mn 78 over Lake Channel in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,761 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,850 by 2041. The structure is 28 ft (8.4 m) long.

CarriesMn 78
CrossesLake Channel
Location0.6 MI S of S JCT TH 108
RouteState Highway 78
Coordinates46.41962, -95.58501
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating64.8 US tons
Inventory rating43.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length28 ft (8.4 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,761 (2021)
Projected traffic1,850 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Mn 78 over Lake Channel built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 78 over Lake Channel 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 September 2021.

How much traffic does Mn 78 over Lake Channel carry?

About 1,761 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Mn 78 over Lake Channel?

The structure is 28 ft (8.4 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns Mn 78 over Lake Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.