US Bridges

Mn 15 over Spring Branch Creek

Fair

Watonwan County, Minnesota · 3.7 MI N of Lewisville · Structure no. 91277

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,100
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mn 15 over Spring Branch Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Mn 15 over Spring Branch Creek in Watonwan County, Minnesota. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 3,100 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,000 by 2038. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesMn 15
CrossesSpring Branch Creek
Location3.7 MI N of Lewisville
RouteState Highway 15
CountyWatonwan County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates43.97447, -94.42914
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length33 ft (10.1 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 traffic3,100 (2018)
Projected traffic3,000 by 2038
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 Mn 15 over Spring Branch Creek built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mn 15 over Spring Branch Creek 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Mn 15 over Spring Branch Creek carry?

About 3,100 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Mn 15 over Spring Branch Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns Mn 15 over Spring Branch Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.