US Bridges

T 56 over South Bluff Creek

Fair

Otter Tail County, Minnesota · 1.1 MI W of JCT Csah 77 · Structure no. 95066

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
22
1986 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 56 over South Bluff Creek is a concrete culvert carrying T 56 over South Bluff Creek in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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.

It carries about 22 vehicles a day, projected to reach 22 by 2029. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesT 56
CrossesSouth Bluff Creek
Location1.1 MI W of JCT Csah 77
RouteCounty Highway 56
Coordinates46.4412, -95.24139
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum 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 spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22 (1986)
Projected traffic22 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$92 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was T 56 over South Bluff Creek built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 56 over South Bluff Creek 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does T 56 over South Bluff Creek carry?

About 22 vehicles per day (1986 count).

How long is T 56 over South Bluff Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m).

Who owns T 56 over South Bluff Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.