US Bridges

T 171 over Heron Lake Outlet

Good

Jackson County, Minnesota · 0.8 MI S of JCT TH 60 · Structure no. 32579

Built
2021
4 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
112 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
49
2021 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 171 over Heron Lake Outlet is a wood or timber slab carrying T 171 over Heron Lake Outlet in Jackson County, Minnesota. It was built in 2021, so it is 4 years old, younger than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 9 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 49 vehicles a day, projected to reach 49 by 2041. The structure is 112 ft (34.1 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123 mi (198 km).

CarriesT 171
CrossesHeron Lake Outlet
Location0.8 MI S of JCT TH 60
RouteCounty Highway 171
Coordinates43.80052, -95.27547
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.8 US tons
Inventory rating36.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans4
Design loadHL 93
Structure length112 ft (34.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic49 (2021)
Projected traffic49 by 2041
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123 mi (198 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was T 171 over Heron Lake Outlet built?

It was built in 2021, making it 4 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 171 over Heron Lake Outlet in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does T 171 over Heron Lake Outlet carry?

About 49 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is T 171 over Heron Lake Outlet?

The structure is 112 ft (34.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns T 171 over Heron Lake Outlet?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.