US Bridges

T 297 over Willow Creek

Good

Clay County, Minnesota · 0.5 MI S of JCT TH 34 · Structure no. 14J06

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
36 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
15
1996 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 297 over Willow Creek is a concrete culvert carrying T 297 over Willow Creek in Clay County, Minnesota. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger 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 15 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2029. The structure is 36 ft (10.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesT 297
CrossesWillow Creek
Location0.5 MI S of JCT TH 34
RouteCounty Highway 297
Coordinates46.65223, -96.38351
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating59.4 US tons
Inventory rating39.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length36 ft (10.9 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (1996)
Projected traffic15 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

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 297 over Willow Creek built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 297 over Willow Creek 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does T 297 over Willow Creek carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (1996 count).

How long is T 297 over Willow Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (10.9 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns T 297 over Willow Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.