US Bridges

T 40 over Watonwan River

GoodPosted for load

Cottonwood County, Minnesota · 0.5 MI W of JCT Csah 1 · Structure no. 3278

Built
1921
104 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Concrete
Length
53 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
35
1986 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 40 over Watonwan River is a concrete girder and floorbeam system carrying T 40 over Watonwan River in Cottonwood County, Minnesota. It was built in 1921, so it is 104 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 35 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2029. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesT 40
CrossesWatonwan River
Location0.5 MI W of JCT Csah 1
RouteCounty Highway 40
Coordinates43.97748, -94.93032
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.6 US tons

Structure

MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.9 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (1986)
Projected traffic35 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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$210 million (2017 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was T 40 over Watonwan River built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 40 over Watonwan 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 40 over Watonwan River carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (1986 count).

How long is T 40 over Watonwan River?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns T 40 over Watonwan River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.