US Bridges

T 981 over Coulee

Fair

Polk County, Minnesota · 1.2 MI E of JCT Csah 20 · Structure no. 60J94

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
10
2002 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 981 over Coulee is a concrete culvert carrying T 981 over Coulee in Polk County, Minnesota. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 years old, younger 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 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 10 by 2029. The structure is 27 ft (8.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesT 981
CrossesCoulee
Location1.2 MI E of JCT Csah 20
RouteCounty Highway 981
Coordinates48.03559, -96.75681
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 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 rating64.8 US tons
Inventory rating43.2 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 traffic10 (2002)
Projected traffic10 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 981 over Coulee built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 981 over Coulee 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 2021.

How much traffic does T 981 over Coulee carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2002 count).

How long is T 981 over Coulee?

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

Who owns T 981 over Coulee?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.