US Bridges

US 71 over Sauk River

Good

Todd County, Minnesota · 0.2 MI SW of Little Sauk · Structure no. 8930

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,642
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 over Sauk River is a concrete culvert carrying US 71 over Sauk River in Todd County, Minnesota. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 years old, older 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 3,642 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,750 by 2041. The structure is 39 ft (12 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.2 mi (47 km).

CarriesUS 71
CrossesSauk River
Location0.2 MI SW of Little Sauk
RouteU.S. Route 71
Coordinates45.85816, -94.91797
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 length39 ft (12 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,642 (2021)
Projected traffic3,750 by 2041
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.2 mi (47 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 71 over Sauk River built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 71 over Sauk 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 Sauk River carry?

About 3,642 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US 71 over Sauk River?

The structure is 39 ft (12 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns US 71 over Sauk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.