US Bridges

US 59 over Spring Creek

Fair

Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota · 4.9 MI S of Clarkfield · Structure no. 6751

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
54 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,439
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Spring Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 59 over Spring Creek in Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 5 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 54 ft (16.5 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 59
CrossesSpring Creek
Location4.9 MI S of Clarkfield
RouteU.S. Route 59
CountyYellow Medicine County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.72134, -95.80882
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.6 US tons
Inventory rating45.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length54 ft (16.5 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 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 closed8.7 mi (14 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$186 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 59 over Spring Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 59 over Spring 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 59 over Spring Creek carry?

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

How long is US 59 over Spring Creek?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US 59 over Spring Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.