US Bridges

T 249 over Bear Creek

Fair

Mower County, Minnesota · 0.8 MI W of JCT Csah 8 · Structure no. 50533

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
63 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
45
1986 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 249 over Bear Creek is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying T 249 over Bear Creek in Mower County, Minnesota. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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.

It carries about 45 vehicles a day, projected to reach 45 by 2029. The structure is 63 ft (19.3 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesT 249
CrossesBear Creek
Location0.8 MI W of JCT Csah 8
RouteCounty Highway 249
CountyMower County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates43.7249, -92.58461
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating86 US tons
Inventory rating51.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length63 ft (19.3 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (1986)
Projected traffic45 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

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 249 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 249 over Bear Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does T 249 over Bear Creek carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (1986 count).

How long is T 249 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 63 ft (19.3 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns T 249 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.