US Bridges

US 61 over Sawmill Creek

Fair

Winona County, Minnesota · 3.6 MI SE of JCT TH 74 · Structure no. 9778

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,663
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 61 over Sawmill Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 61 over Sawmill Creek in Winona County, Minnesota. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 4,663 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,900 by 2042. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

CarriesUS 61
CrossesSawmill Creek
Location3.6 MI SE of JCT TH 74
RouteU.S. Route 61
Coordinates44.19302, -91.86909
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 inspectionAugust 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 loadH 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,663 (2022)
Projected traffic4,900 by 2042
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 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 Sawmill Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 61 over Sawmill 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 61 over Sawmill Creek carry?

About 4,663 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 61 over Sawmill Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 61 over Sawmill Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.