Minnesota Department of Transportation

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Project selection

Increasing the transparency of how we select highway construction projects

Non-National Highway System culverts

MnDOT District 4

Scoring criteria for standalone non-national highway system culvert projects. Out of 100 possible points, 50 points are based on the structural condition of the culvert, 20 points are based on the load rating, 15 points are based on the condition of the waterway and channel, and 15 points are based traffic volume.

Learn more about how MnDOT evaluates and selects bridge and culvert projects

MnDOT replaces or rehabilitates most culverts (greater than 10 feet) in conjunction with other projects. However, MnDOT will occasionally select a culvert for a standalone rehabilitation or replacement project.

MnDOT scores culvert condition needs when selecting projects to include in the 10-year Capital Highway Investment Plan. Culverts that carry roads on the National Highway System (NHS) are scored and selected separately from culvert needs off the system. MnDOT’s approach to managing culvert condition follows the guidance and targets in the Transportation Asset Management Plan and the planned outcomes in MnSHIP.

Non-NHS culverts are scored statewide, but prioritized within each district. The selection of standalone culvert projects is informed by district staff, experts from MnDOT’s bridge office and the Bridge Replacement and Improvement Management System (BRIM).

Once selected, MnDOT then identifies and evaluates alternatives and other needs, legal requirements, issues and opportunities in coordination with local partners, and considers public input. In the process, non-culvert work may be added to a culvert project or a culvert project may be combined with a nearby pavement project. Projects may move years based on local coordination, project delivery, timing of other nearby construction projects, and funding shifts.

What’s been selected?

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How the projects scored

The construction costs shown on this list represent a very rough estimate based on limited information available at the time selection decisions were made. Actual construction and delivery costs will change over time as projects go from a concept through the project development process and are eventually constructed. View more detailed scores (Excel).

Last updated October 2021

Total Score Culvert Number Route Key Intersection or closest landmark Work Type Year Planned High Level cost estimate for planning purposes Comments
55 8874 East of County Road 9 near Nashua 1931 2022 Replace  $200,000 Selected prior to policy (in 2019-2022 STIP)
16 97023 Twin Lakes Creek 1995 2022 Replace  $200,000
1 8783 Stream near Rothsay 1953 2028 Replace  $200,000
1 8784 Buffalo River 1953 2028 Replace  $200,000
1 8785 Stream near Barnesville  1952 Not Selected Replace  $200,000
1 91425 Whiskey Creek 1976 2028 Replace  $200,000

Previous years