US Bridges

US 218 over Turtle Creek

Fair

Steele County, Minnesota · 6.3 MI S of JCT TH 14 · Structure no. 4701

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,544
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 218 over Turtle Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 218 over Turtle Creek in Steele County, Minnesota. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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 4,544 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,000 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 218
CrossesTurtle Creek
Location6.3 MI S of JCT TH 14
RouteU.S. Route 218
CountySteele County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates43.98042, -93.12746
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 inspectionJuly 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating28.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.8 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 traffic4,544 (2022)
Projected traffic5,000 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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$58 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 218 over Turtle Creek built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 218 over Turtle 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 218 over Turtle Creek carry?

About 4,544 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 218 over Turtle Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 218 over Turtle Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.