US Bridges

T 7 over Waterloo Creek

Poor

Houston County, Minnesota · 0.1 MI N of State Line · Structure no. L4543

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
55
1986 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 7 over Waterloo Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying T 7 over Waterloo Creek in Houston 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 55 vehicles a day, projected to reach 55 by 2029. The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesT 7
CrossesWaterloo Creek
Location0.1 MI N of State Line
RouteCounty Highway 7
CountyHouston County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates43.50251, -91.57012
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.7 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.5 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.8 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic55 (1986)
Projected traffic55 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$385 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was T 7 over Waterloo Creek built?

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

What condition is T 7 over Waterloo Creek 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does T 7 over Waterloo Creek carry?

About 55 vehicles per day (1986 count).

How long is T 7 over Waterloo Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.8 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns T 7 over Waterloo Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.