US Bridges

T 7 over Blue Earth River

FairPosted for load

Faribault County, Minnesota · 0.8 MI W of JCT TH 169 · Structure no. 22563

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
96 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
35
1986 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 7 over Blue Earth River is a wood or timber slab carrying T 7 over Blue Earth River in Faribault 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 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 35 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2029. The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesT 7
CrossesBlue Earth River
Location0.8 MI W of JCT TH 169
RouteCounty Highway 7
Coordinates43.54341, -94.10085
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating50.8 US tons
Inventory rating35.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length96 ft (29.3 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 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 closed1.9 mi (3 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 Blue Earth River built?

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

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

About 35 vehicles per day (1986 count).

How long is T 7 over Blue Earth River?

The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns T 7 over Blue Earth River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.