US Bridges

Mn 246 over Ditch

Fair

Rice County, Minnesota · 2.2 MI S of JCT TH 3 · Structure no. 8859

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,586
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 246 over Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying Mn 246 over Ditch in Rice County, Minnesota. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 6 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 3,586 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,900 by 2042. The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesMn 246
CrossesDitch
Location2.2 MI S of JCT TH 3
RouteState Highway 246
CountyRice County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.42684, -93.16029
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length33 ft (10 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,586 (2022)
Projected traffic3,900 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$57 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mn 246 over Ditch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 246 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Mn 246 over Ditch carry?

About 3,586 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Mn 246 over Ditch?

The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Mn 246 over Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.