US 71 over Blueberry River
FairWadena County, Minnesota · 0.5 MI N of Menahga · Structure no. 9299
- Built
- 1959
- 66 years old, rebuilt 1997
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected August 2023
- Type
- Slab
- Concrete Continuous
- Length
- 93 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 5,457
- 2022 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
US 71 over Blueberry River is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 71 over Blueberry River in Wadena County, Minnesota. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 66 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 5,457 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,300 by 2042. The structure is 93 ft (28.3 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 70.2 mi (113 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was US 71 over Blueberry River built?
It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.
What condition is US 71 over Blueberry River 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 August 2023.
How much traffic does US 71 over Blueberry River carry?
About 5,457 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.
How long is US 71 over Blueberry River?
The structure is 93 ft (28.3 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.
Who owns US 71 over Blueberry River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.