US Bridges

T 181 over Des Moines River

FairPosted for load

Murray County, Minnesota · 1.6 MI N of JCT Csah 7 · Structure no. 51516

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
116 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
55
1990 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 181 over Des Moines River is a wood or timber slab carrying T 181 over Des Moines River in Murray County, Minnesota. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 55 vehicles a day, projected to reach 55 by 2029. The structure is 116 ft (35.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesT 181
CrossesDes Moines River
Location1.6 MI N of JCT Csah 7
RouteCounty Highway 181
Coordinates44.00172, -95.58261
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.6 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length116 ft (35.4 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic55 (1990)
Projected traffic55 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

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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was T 181 over Des Moines River built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 181 over Des Moines 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does T 181 over Des Moines River carry?

About 55 vehicles per day (1990 count).

How long is T 181 over Des Moines River?

The structure is 116 ft (35.4 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns T 181 over Des Moines River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.