US Bridges

T 8 over Des Moines River

FairPosted for load

Cottonwood County, Minnesota · 1.8 MI W of JCT CR 40 · Structure no. 17508

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
136 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20
1986 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 8 over Des Moines River is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying T 8 over Des Moines River in Cottonwood County, Minnesota. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2029. The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesT 8
CrossesDes Moines River
Location1.8 MI W of JCT CR 40
RouteCounty Highway 8
CountyCottonwood County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates43.87967, -95.29356
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating34.2 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length136 ft (41.5 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (1986)
Projected traffic20 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$1,000 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was T 8 over Des Moines River built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 8 over Des Moines 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 2024.

How much traffic does T 8 over Des Moines River carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (1986 count).

How long is T 8 over Des Moines River?

The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns T 8 over Des Moines River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.