US Bridges

T 173 over Otter Tail River

Good

Otter Tail County, Minnesota · 2.2 MI E of JCT TH 108 · Structure no. 91639

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
55 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
29
1986 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 173 over Otter Tail River is a concrete culvert carrying T 173 over Otter Tail River in Otter Tail 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 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 29 vehicles a day, projected to reach 29 by 2029. The structure is 55 ft (16.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesT 173
CrossesOtter Tail River
Location2.2 MI E of JCT TH 108
RouteCounty Highway 173
Coordinates46.52785, -95.52932
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 inspectionNovember 2023
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.4 US tons
Inventory rating39.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length55 ft (16.9 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29 (1986)
Projected traffic29 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 173 over Otter Tail River built?

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

What condition is T 173 over Otter Tail 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does T 173 over Otter Tail River carry?

About 29 vehicles per day (1986 count).

How long is T 173 over Otter Tail River?

The structure is 55 ft (16.9 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns T 173 over Otter Tail River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.