US Bridges

US 59 over Hill River

Fair

Red Lake County, Minnesota · 0.3 MI N of JCT TH 92 · Structure no. 5818

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,150
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Hill River is a concrete culvert carrying US 59 over Hill River in Red Lake County, Minnesota. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 2,150 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,150 by 2038. The structure is 39 ft (12 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

CarriesUS 59
CrossesHill River
Location0.3 MI N of JCT TH 92
RouteU.S. Route 59
Coordinates47.82272, -96.00034
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length39 ft (12 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,150 (2018)
Projected traffic2,150 by 2038
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 Hill River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 59 over Hill 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US 59 over Hill River carry?

About 2,150 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over Hill River?

The structure is 39 ft (12 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns US 59 over Hill River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.