US Bridges

T 21 over Cottonwood River

Good

Lyon County, Minnesota · 0.6 MI E of JCT Csah 5 · Structure no. 95849

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13
1992 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 21 over Cottonwood River is a concrete culvert carrying T 21 over Cottonwood River in Lyon County, Minnesota. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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.

It carries about 13 vehicles a day, projected to reach 13 by 2029. The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesT 21
CrossesCottonwood River
Location0.6 MI E of JCT Csah 5
RouteCounty Highway 21
Coordinates44.2688, -95.86461
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.4 US tons
Inventory rating39.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (8 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13 (1992)
Projected traffic13 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 21 over Cottonwood River built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 21 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 2021.

How much traffic does T 21 over Cottonwood River carry?

About 13 vehicles per day (1992 count).

How long is T 21 over Cottonwood River?

The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns T 21 over Cottonwood River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.