US Bridges

T 97 over Little Cottonwood River

Good

Cottonwood County, Minnesota · 0.6 MI S of JCT TH 10 · Structure no. 95131

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
27
1986 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 97 over Little Cottonwood River is a concrete culvert carrying T 97 over Little Cottonwood River in Cottonwood County, Minnesota. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 27 vehicles a day, projected to reach 27 by 2029. The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesT 97
CrossesLittle Cottonwood River
Location0.6 MI S of JCT TH 10
RouteCounty Highway 97
Coordinates44.10007, -95.04002
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length33 ft (10 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 traffic27 (1986)
Projected traffic27 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 97 over Little Cottonwood River built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 97 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 2024.

How much traffic does T 97 over Little Cottonwood River carry?

About 27 vehicles per day (1986 count).

How long is T 97 over Little Cottonwood River?

The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (3.9 m).

Who owns T 97 over Little Cottonwood River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.