US Bridges

T 135 over Watonwan River

Fair

Cottonwood County, Minnesota · 0.6 MI N of JCT Csah 3 · Structure no. L9178

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
54 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2017 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 135 over Watonwan River is a wood or timber slab carrying T 135 over Watonwan River in Cottonwood County, Minnesota. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2039. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesT 135
CrossesWatonwan River
Location0.6 MI N of JCT Csah 3
RouteCounty Highway 135
CountyCottonwood County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.00156, -95.07955
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.8 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length54 ft (16.5 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2017)
Projected traffic50 by 2039
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 135 over Watonwan River built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 135 over Watonwan 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 2023.

How much traffic does T 135 over Watonwan River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is T 135 over Watonwan River?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns T 135 over Watonwan River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.