US Bridges

CR 79 over Ditch

Fair

Rice County, Minnesota · 0.1 MI W of JCT Csah 42 · Structure no. 88051

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
28 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
315
2008 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 79 over Ditch is a steel culvert carrying CR 79 over Ditch in Rice County, Minnesota. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 315 vehicles a day, projected to reach 315 by 2039. The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesCR 79
CrossesDitch
Location0.1 MI W of JCT Csah 42
RouteCounty Highway 79
Coordinates44.45731, -93.08023
Functional classRural Local

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 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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating28.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.6 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic315 (2008)
Projected traffic315 by 2039
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 79 over Ditch built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 79 over Ditch 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 2023.

How much traffic does CR 79 over Ditch carry?

About 315 vehicles per day (2008 count).

How long is CR 79 over Ditch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns CR 79 over Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.