US Bridges

Mn 4 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Renville County, Minnesota · 4.8 MI N of Hector · Structure no. 6799

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,073
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 4 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete slab carrying Mn 4 over Buffalo Creek in Renville County, Minnesota. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 1,073 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,000 by 2041. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMn 4
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location4.8 MI N of Hector
RouteState Highway 4
CountyRenville County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.80516, -94.71205
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,073 (2021)
Projected traffic1,000 by 2041
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 km)
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$114 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mn 4 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 4 over Buffalo Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does Mn 4 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 1,073 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Mn 4 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Mn 4 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.