US Bridges

T 97 over Little Cottonwood River

Good

Cottonwood County, Minnesota · 0.7 MI E of JCT Csah 2 · Structure no. R0020

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
36 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
30
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 1982, so it is 43 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 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 30 by 2029. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesT 97
CrossesLittle Cottonwood River
Location0.7 MI E of JCT Csah 2
RouteCounty Highway 97
Coordinates44.09332, -95.04552
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 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.4 US tons
Inventory rating39.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length36 ft (11 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 traffic30 (1986)
Projected traffic30 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 1982, making it 43 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 2023.

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

About 30 vehicles per day (1986 count).

How long is T 97 over Little Cottonwood River?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns T 97 over Little Cottonwood River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.