US Bridges

T 97 over Highwater Creek

Good

Cottonwood County, Minnesota · 1.4 MI E of JCT Csah 5 · Structure no. 95132

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
56 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
45
1986 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 97 over Highwater Creek is a concrete culvert carrying T 97 over Highwater Creek in Cottonwood 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 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 45 vehicles a day, projected to reach 45 by 2029. The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesT 97
CrossesHighwater Creek
Location1.4 MI E of JCT Csah 5
RouteCounty Highway 97
Coordinates44.0941, -95.293
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.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable 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 spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length56 ft (17.1 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 traffic45 (1986)
Projected traffic45 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was T 97 over Highwater Creek built?

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

What condition is T 97 over Highwater 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does T 97 over Highwater Creek carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (1986 count).

How long is T 97 over Highwater Creek?

The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns T 97 over Highwater Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.