US Bridges

T 79 over Elk Creek

Good

Nobles County, Minnesota · 0.9 MI N of JCT Csah 36 · Structure no. 97932

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
59 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
71
1995 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 79 over Elk Creek is a concrete culvert carrying T 79 over Elk Creek in Nobles County, Minnesota. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 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 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 71 vehicles a day, projected to reach 71 by 2029. The structure is 59 ft (18.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesT 79
CrossesElk Creek
Location0.9 MI N of JCT Csah 36
RouteCounty Highway 79
Coordinates43.67302, -95.47309
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 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.8 US tons
Inventory rating43.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length59 ft (18.1 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 traffic71 (1995)
Projected traffic71 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 79 over Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 79 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 79 over Elk Creek carry?

About 71 vehicles per day (1995 count).

How long is T 79 over Elk Creek?

The structure is 59 ft (18.1 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns T 79 over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.