US Bridges

T 185 over Joe River

PoorPosted for load

Kittson County, Minnesota · 0.4 MI E of JCT Csah 16 · Structure no. L8832

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
62 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8
1991 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 185 over Joe River is a wood or timber slab carrying T 185 over Joe River in Kittson County, Minnesota. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 3 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 8 vehicles a day, projected to reach 8 by 2029. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesT 185
CrossesJoe River
Location0.4 MI E of JCT Csah 16
RouteCounty Highway 185
CountyKittson County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates48.97109, -97.10571
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Operating rating21.6 US tons
Inventory rating14.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8 (1991)
Projected traffic8 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$194 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was T 185 over Joe River built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 185 over Joe River 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 185 over Joe River carry?

About 8 vehicles per day (1991 count).

How long is T 185 over Joe River?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns T 185 over Joe River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.