US Bridges

T 178 over Little Cottonwood River

Good

Brown County, Minnesota · 1.5 MI N of S CO Line · Structure no. L9755

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
1973 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 178 over Little Cottonwood River is a concrete culvert carrying T 178 over Little Cottonwood River in Brown 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2029. The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesT 178
CrossesLittle Cottonwood River
Location1.5 MI N of S CO Line
RouteCounty Highway 178
Coordinates44.12949, -95.0001
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.7 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 traffic50 (1973)
Projected traffic50 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 178 over Little Cottonwood River built?

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

What condition is T 178 over Little Cottonwood River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does T 178 over Little Cottonwood River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (1973 count).

How long is T 178 over Little Cottonwood River?

The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (3.9 m).

Who owns T 178 over Little Cottonwood River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.