CR 173 over Turtle Creek

Good

Steele County, Minnesota · 0.4 MI N of JCT Csah 3 · Structure no. 74541

Built: 1998; 27 years old
Condition: Good; inspected October 2024
Type: Slab; Wood or Timber
Length: 59 ft; 3 main spans
Daily traffic: 195; 2011 count
Owner: County; County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 173 over Turtle Creek is a wood or timber slab carrying CR 173 over Turtle Creek in Steele County, Minnesota. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 years old, younger than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 195 vehicles a day, projected to reach 195 by 2035. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesCR 173

CrossesTurtle Creek

Location0.4 MI N of JCT Csah 3

RouteCounty Highway 173

CountySteele County

StateMinnesota

Coordinates44.00004, -93.16588

Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

Component	Rating	Meaning
Deck	7 Good	Some minor problems.
Superstructure	7 Good	Some minor problems.
Substructure	7 Good	Some minor problems.
Channel and channel protection	7 Good	Some minor problems.

Last inspectionOctober 2024

Inspection intervalevery 12 months

Operating statusOpen, no restriction

ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles

Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria

Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria

Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria

Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria

Operating rating62.8 US tons

Inventory rating45.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab

MaterialWood or Timber

DeckWood or timber

Main spans3

Design loadHS 25 or greater

Structure length59 ft (18 m)

Longest span20 ft (6 m)

Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)

Roadway width36 ft (10.9 m)

Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic195 (2011)

Projected traffic195 by 2035

Trucks—

Lanes on structure2

Traffic directionTwo-way traffic

CarriesHighway

CrossesWaterway

Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 173 over Turtle Creek built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 173 over Turtle Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does CR 173 over Turtle Creek carry?

About 195 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is CR 173 over Turtle Creek?

The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns CR 173 over Turtle Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.