US Bridges

T 7 over W Br Blue Earth River

Fair

Faribault County, Minnesota · 1.4 MI W of JCT TH 169 · Structure no. 22543

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
119 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
35
1986 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 7 over W Br Blue Earth River is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying T 7 over W Br Blue Earth River in Faribault County, Minnesota. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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.

It carries about 35 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2029. The structure is 119 ft (36.4 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesT 7
CrossesW Br Blue Earth River
Location1.4 MI W of JCT TH 169
RouteCounty Highway 7
Coordinates43.54335, -94.11306
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.4 US tons
Inventory rating36.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length119 ft (36.4 m)
Longest span39 ft (12 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (1986)
Projected traffic35 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 7 over W Br Blue Earth River built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 7 over W Br 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 7 over W Br Blue Earth River carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (1986 count).

How long is T 7 over W Br Blue Earth River?

The structure is 119 ft (36.4 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (12 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns T 7 over W Br Blue Earth River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.