US Bridges

US 59 over Ditch

Fair

Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota · 2.0 MI S of Clarkfield · Structure no. 5639

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,439
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying US 59 over Ditch in Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 1,439 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2042. The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

CarriesUS 59
CrossesDitch
Location2.0 MI S of Clarkfield
RouteU.S. Route 59
Coordinates44.76363, -95.80842
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum 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 15
Structure length23 ft (6.9 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 traffic1,439 (2022)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$183 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 59 over Ditch built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 59 over Ditch 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 59 over Ditch carry?

About 1,439 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over Ditch?

The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 59 over Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.