US Bridges

T 72 over Chippewa River

Good

Douglas County, Minnesota · 0.5 MI N of JCT Csah 82 · Structure no. L5934

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
65
1986 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 72 over Chippewa River is a concrete culvert carrying T 72 over Chippewa River in Douglas County, Minnesota. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 65 vehicles a day, projected to reach 65 by 2029. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesT 72
CrossesChippewa River
Location0.5 MI N of JCT Csah 82
RouteCounty Highway 72
Coordinates45.98827, -95.64641
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.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 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 traffic65 (1986)
Projected traffic65 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$9 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was T 72 over Chippewa River built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 72 over Chippewa 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does T 72 over Chippewa River carry?

About 65 vehicles per day (1986 count).

How long is T 72 over Chippewa River?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m).

Who owns T 72 over Chippewa River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.