US Bridges

T 251 over Cedar River

Fair

Mower County, Minnesota · 1.6 MI NE of JCT TH 218 · Structure no. 50531

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
124 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
29
1986 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 251 over Cedar River is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying T 251 over Cedar River in Mower County, Minnesota. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 29 vehicles a day, projected to reach 29 by 2029. The structure is 124 ft (37.9 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesT 251
CrossesCedar River
Location1.6 MI NE of JCT TH 218
RouteCounty Highway 251
Coordinates43.84091, -93.00379
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71.3 US tons
Inventory rating42.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length124 ft (37.9 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29 (1986)
Projected traffic29 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 251 over Cedar River built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 251 over Cedar 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does T 251 over Cedar River carry?

About 29 vehicles per day (1986 count).

How long is T 251 over Cedar River?

The structure is 124 ft (37.9 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns T 251 over Cedar River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.