US Bridges

T 97 over Little Rock River

Good

Nobles County, Minnesota · 1.4 MI W of JCT Csah 9 · Structure no. 95456

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
49
1994 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 97 over Little Rock River is a concrete culvert carrying T 97 over Little Rock River in Nobles 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 49 vehicles a day, projected to reach 49 by 2029. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesT 97
CrossesLittle Rock River
Location1.4 MI W of JCT Csah 9
RouteCounty Highway 97
Coordinates43.60204, -95.74186
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.4 US tons
Inventory rating39.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic49 (1994)
Projected traffic49 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 97 over Little Rock River built?

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

What condition is T 97 over Little Rock River 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 2021.

How much traffic does T 97 over Little Rock River carry?

About 49 vehicles per day (1994 count).

How long is T 97 over Little Rock River?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.6 m).

Who owns T 97 over Little Rock River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.