US Bridges

T 36 over Cottonwood River

GoodPosted for load

Lyon County, Minnesota · 1.5 MI W of JCT Csah 11 · Structure no. 42532

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
35
1992 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 36 over Cottonwood River is a wood or timber slab carrying T 36 over Cottonwood River in Lyon County, Minnesota. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 years old, older 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 35 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2029. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesT 36
CrossesCottonwood River
Location1.5 MI W of JCT Csah 11
RouteCounty Highway 36
Coordinates44.32676, -95.64526
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.6 US tons
Inventory rating24.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (1992)
Projected traffic35 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was T 36 over Cottonwood River built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 36 over Cottonwood River 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 36 over Cottonwood River carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (1992 count).

How long is T 36 over Cottonwood River?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns T 36 over Cottonwood River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.