US Bridges

T 37 over Elk River

Fair

Benton County, Minnesota · 0.7 MI NW of JCT TH 23 · Structure no. 05523

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
94 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
44
1985 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 37 over Elk River is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying T 37 over Elk River in Benton County, Minnesota. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 44 vehicles a day, projected to reach 44 by 2029. The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

CarriesT 37
CrossesElk River
Location0.7 MI NW of JCT TH 23
RouteCounty Highway 37
Coordinates45.61738, -94.03457
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64 US tons
Inventory rating30.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length94 ft (28.7 m)
Longest span46 ft (13.9 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic44 (1985)
Projected traffic44 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 37 over Elk River built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 37 over Elk 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 2023.

How much traffic does T 37 over Elk River carry?

About 44 vehicles per day (1985 count).

How long is T 37 over Elk River?

The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (13.9 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns T 37 over Elk River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.