US Bridges

T 85 over Ditch

Poor

Faribault County, Minnesota · 0.4 MI E of JCT TH 22 · Structure no. L6344

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
35
1986 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 85 over Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying T 85 over Ditch in Faribault County, Minnesota. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 years old, older than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 35 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2029. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesT 85
CrossesDitch
Location0.4 MI E of JCT TH 22
RouteCounty Highway 85
CountyFaribault County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates43.68834, -93.72062
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 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$176 million (2018 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was T 85 over Ditch built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 85 over Ditch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does T 85 over Ditch carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (1986 count).

How long is T 85 over Ditch?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns T 85 over Ditch?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.