US Bridges

T 159 over Cedar River

Fair

Mower County, Minnesota · 0.4 MI E of JCT TH 105 · Structure no. 50543

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
225 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
72
1986 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 159 over Cedar River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying T 159 over Cedar River in Mower County, Minnesota. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 72 vehicles a day, projected to reach 72 by 2029. The structure is 225 ft (68.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesT 159
CrossesCedar River
Location0.4 MI E of JCT TH 105
RouteCounty Highway 159
Coordinates43.49979, -93.0019
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating67 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length225 ft (68.7 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic72 (1986)
Projected traffic72 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 159 over Cedar River built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 159 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 2023.

How much traffic does T 159 over Cedar River carry?

About 72 vehicles per day (1986 count).

How long is T 159 over Cedar River?

The structure is 225 ft (68.7 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns T 159 over Cedar River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.