US Bridges

T 15 over Big Slough

Fair

Blue Earth County, Minnesota · 0.6 MI S of JCT CR 154 · Structure no. 91774

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
48 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
16
1969 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 15 over Big Slough is a concrete culvert carrying T 15 over Big Slough in Blue Earth County, Minnesota. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 16 vehicles a day, projected to reach 16 by 2029. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesT 15
CrossesBig Slough
Location0.6 MI S of JCT CR 154
RouteCounty Highway 15
Coordinates43.86513, -93.9352
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating59.4 US tons
Inventory rating39.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span13 ft (3.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16 (1969)
Projected traffic16 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 15 over Big Slough built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 15 over Big Slough 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does T 15 over Big Slough carry?

About 16 vehicles per day (1969 count).

How long is T 15 over Big Slough?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (3.9 m).

Who owns T 15 over Big Slough?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.