US Bridges

US 71 over Long Prairie River

Good

Todd County, Minnesota · 0.6 MI N of JCT TH 287 · Structure no. 77021

Built
2020
5 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
101 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,808
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 over Long Prairie River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 71 over Long Prairie River in Todd County, Minnesota. It was built in 2020, so it is 5 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 3,808 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,200 by 2041. The structure is 101 ft (30.8 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 71
CrossesLong Prairie River
Location0.6 MI N of JCT TH 287
RouteU.S. Route 71
Coordinates45.97688, -94.86462
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating47.5 US tons
Inventory rating36.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length101 ft (30.8 m)
Longest span98 ft (29.8 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.5 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,808 (2021)
Projected traffic10,200 by 2041
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 71 over Long Prairie River built?

It was built in 2020, making it 5 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 71 over Long Prairie River 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 71 over Long Prairie River carry?

About 3,808 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US 71 over Long Prairie River?

The structure is 101 ft (30.8 m) long with a longest span of 98 ft (29.8 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns US 71 over Long Prairie River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.