US Bridges

US 71 over Stream

Fair

Stearns County, Minnesota · 2.8 MI S of Sauk Centre · Structure no. 6319

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,039
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 over Stream is a concrete culvert carrying US 71 over Stream in Stearns County, Minnesota. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 3,039 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,200 by 2042. The structure is 27 ft (8.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 59 mi (95 km).

CarriesUS 71
CrossesStream
Location2.8 MI S of Sauk Centre
RouteU.S. Route 71
Coordinates45.70141, -94.95372
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 inspectionJune 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length27 ft (8.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,039 (2022)
Projected traffic4,200 by 2042
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed59 mi (95 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$45 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 71 over Stream built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 71 over Stream 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 71 over Stream carry?

About 3,039 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 71 over Stream?

The structure is 27 ft (8.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.1 m).

Who owns US 71 over Stream?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.