G. Bridges and Culverts G. Bridges and Culverts

G. Bridges and Culverts

Bridges and culverts require additional consideration as part of maintenance or a repair project.

The drainage code provides that private bridges and culverts constructed as a part of a public drainage system after March 24, 1947 must be maintained by the drainage authority. Private bridges and culverts crossing the public drainage system but not constructed by the public system are the responsibility of the landowner to maintain. Highway bridges and culverts, however, are a maintenance responsibility of the respective road authority (township, county, state, or federal government body).

If, during a major Repair proceeding, the engineer determines that an existing bridge or culvert along the system lacks sufficient hydraulic capacity because additional lands now drain into the system (which were not originally part of the benefitted area), the engineer shall make a report on the hydraulic capacity of bridges and culverts to the drainage authority (see Minn. Stat. § 103E.721, Subd. 1, and Minn. Stat. § 103E.741). The guidance provided in Section VI.B.2 of this chapter should be followed in conducting this evaluation and in presenting the results.