US Bridges

T 50 over Otter Tail River

Fair

Becker County, Minnesota · 2.5 MI NW of JCT TH 34 · Structure no. 03507

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
34
1969 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 50 over Otter Tail River is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying T 50 over Otter Tail River in Becker County, Minnesota. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 34 vehicles a day, projected to reach 34 by 2029. The structure is 45 ft (13.6 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

CarriesT 50
CrossesOtter Tail River
Location2.5 MI NW of JCT TH 34
RouteCounty Highway 50
Coordinates46.88092, -95.63784
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating47.4 US tons
Inventory rating28.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.6 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34 (1969)
Projected traffic34 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township 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 T 50 over Otter Tail River built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 50 over Otter Tail 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does T 50 over Otter Tail River carry?

About 34 vehicles per day (1969 count).

How long is T 50 over Otter Tail River?

The structure is 45 ft (13.6 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns T 50 over Otter Tail River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.