US Bridges

T 73 over Watonwan River

Good

Cottonwood County, Minnesota · 2.1 MI W of JCT TH 71 · Structure no. R0251

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
36
1989 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 73 over Watonwan River is a concrete culvert carrying T 73 over Watonwan River in Cottonwood County, Minnesota. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger 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 36 vehicles a day, projected to reach 36 by 2029. The structure is 30 ft (9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesT 73
CrossesWatonwan River
Location2.1 MI W of JCT TH 71
RouteCounty Highway 73
Coordinates44.00698, -95.16107
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2021
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.4 US tons
Inventory rating39.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic36 (1989)
Projected traffic36 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 73 over Watonwan River built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 73 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 2021.

How much traffic does T 73 over Watonwan River carry?

About 36 vehicles per day (1989 count).

How long is T 73 over Watonwan River?

The structure is 30 ft (9 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m).

Who owns T 73 over Watonwan River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.