US Bridges

T 37 over Orchard Creek

Good

Mower County, Minnesota · 0.6 MI W of JCT TH 105 · Structure no. 50562

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
109 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
35
1986 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 37 over Orchard Creek is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying T 37 over Orchard Creek in Mower County, Minnesota. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 35 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2029. The structure is 109 ft (33.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesT 37
CrossesOrchard Creek
Location0.6 MI W of JCT TH 105
RouteCounty Highway 37
Coordinates43.58692, -93.01626
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.7 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length109 ft (33.2 m)
Longest span36 ft (11.1 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (1986)
Projected traffic35 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 37 over Orchard Creek built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 37 over Orchard Creek 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does T 37 over Orchard Creek carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (1986 count).

How long is T 37 over Orchard Creek?

The structure is 109 ft (33.2 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11.1 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns T 37 over Orchard Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.