US Bridges

US 61 over Handshaw Coulee

Fair

Wabasha County, Minnesota · 2.5 MI SE of S JCT TH 63 · Structure no. 96017

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
52 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,187
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 61 over Handshaw Coulee is a concrete culvert carrying US 61 over Handshaw Coulee in Wabasha County, Minnesota. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 6 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 4,187 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,950 by 2042. The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

CarriesUS 61
CrossesHandshaw Coulee
Location2.5 MI SE of S JCT TH 63
RouteU.S. Route 61
Coordinates44.42356, -92.23718
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior 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 loadHS 20
Structure length52 ft (15.9 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,187 (2022)
Projected traffic4,950 by 2042
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 61 over Handshaw Coulee built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 61 over Handshaw Coulee 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 61 over Handshaw Coulee carry?

About 4,187 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is US 61 over Handshaw Coulee?

The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.8 m).

Who owns US 61 over Handshaw Coulee?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.