US Bridges

US 71 over Red Eye River

Good

Wadena County, Minnesota · 0.1 MI S of JCT TH 227 · Structure no. 80005

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
98 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,184
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 over Red Eye River is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 71 over Red Eye River in Wadena County, Minnesota. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 3,184 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,400 by 2041. The structure is 98 ft (30 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 70.2 mi (113 km).

CarriesUS 71
CrossesRed Eye River
Location0.1 MI S of JCT TH 227
RouteU.S. Route 71
Coordinates46.62868, -95.09521
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.9 US tons
Inventory rating46.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length98 ft (30 m)
Longest span36 ft (11.1 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.6 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,184 (2021)
Projected traffic3,400 by 2041
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed70.2 mi (113 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 Red Eye River built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 71 over Red Eye 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 Red Eye River carry?

About 3,184 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 71 over Red Eye River?

The structure is 98 ft (30 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11.1 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns US 71 over Red Eye River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.