US Bridges

T 56 over Blue Earth River

FairPosted for load

Faribault County, Minnesota · 0.6 MI W of JCT Csah 6 · Structure no. 22506

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
121 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
67
1986 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 56 over Blue Earth River is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying T 56 over Blue Earth River in Faribault County, Minnesota. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 67 vehicles a day, projected to reach 67 by 2029. The structure is 121 ft (37 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesT 56
CrossesBlue Earth River
Location0.6 MI W of JCT Csah 6
RouteCounty Highway 56
Coordinates43.63752, -94.11457
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.5 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length121 ft (37 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic67 (1986)
Projected traffic67 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 56 over Blue Earth River built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 56 over Blue Earth 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does T 56 over Blue Earth River carry?

About 67 vehicles per day (1986 count).

How long is T 56 over Blue Earth River?

The structure is 121 ft (37 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns T 56 over Blue Earth River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.