US Bridges

US 59 over Yellow Medicine River

Fair

Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota · 10.0 MI S of JCT TH 67 · Structure no. 87008

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
179 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,439
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Yellow Medicine River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 59 over Yellow Medicine River in Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 179 ft (54.5 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

CarriesUS 59
CrossesYellow Medicine River
Location10.0 MI S of JCT TH 67
RouteU.S. Route 59
Coordinates44.64562, -95.80852
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length179 ft (54.5 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.4 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.2 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 closed19.9 mi (32 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 59 over Yellow Medicine River built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 59 over Yellow Medicine 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 59 over Yellow Medicine River carry?

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

How long is US 59 over Yellow Medicine River?

The structure is 179 ft (54.5 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns US 59 over Yellow Medicine River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.