US Bridges

T 26 over Big Cottonwood River

FairPosted for load

Lyon County, Minnesota · 1.5 MI W of JCT TH 59 · Structure no. L1808

Built
1925
100 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
13
1992 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 26 over Big Cottonwood River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying T 26 over Big Cottonwood River in Lyon County, Minnesota. It was built in 1925, so it is 100 years old, older than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 13 vehicles a day, projected to reach 13 by 2029. The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesT 26
CrossesBig Cottonwood River
Location1.5 MI W of JCT TH 59
RouteCounty Highway 26
CountyLyon County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.28285, -95.78741
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating40.3 US tons
Inventory rating24.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.5 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.2 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13 (1992)
Projected traffic13 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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$223 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was T 26 over Big Cottonwood River built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 26 over Big Cottonwood River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does T 26 over Big Cottonwood River carry?

About 13 vehicles per day (1992 count).

How long is T 26 over Big Cottonwood River?

The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.2 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns T 26 over Big Cottonwood River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.