US Bridges

T 81 over Elk Creek

Good

Nobles County, Minnesota · 0.1 MI W of JCT TH 59 · Structure no. 53J14

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
45
1996 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 81 over Elk Creek is a concrete culvert carrying T 81 over Elk Creek in Nobles County, Minnesota. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 years old, younger 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 45 vehicles a day, projected to reach 45 by 2029. The structure is 27 ft (8.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesT 81
CrossesElk Creek
Location0.1 MI W of JCT TH 59
RouteCounty Highway 81
Coordinates43.67451, -95.5935
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.6 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length27 ft (8.3 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (1996)
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

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 81 over Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 81 over Elk 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does T 81 over Elk Creek carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (1996 count).

How long is T 81 over Elk Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.3 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns T 81 over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.