US Bridges

T 246 over Chippewa River

PoorPosted for load

Pope County, Minnesota · 0.5 MI E of JCT Csah 1 · Structure no. 61J08

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
57 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1
2009 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 246 over Chippewa River is a steel culvert carrying T 246 over Chippewa River in Pope County, Minnesota. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 years old, younger than the Minnesota average of 38.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1 by 2029. The structure is 57 ft (17.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesT 246
CrossesChippewa River
Location0.5 MI E of JCT Csah 1
RouteCounty Highway 246
CountyPope County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates45.51001, -95.7171
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating9 US tons
Inventory rating5.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length57 ft (17.3 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1 (2009)
Projected traffic1 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$375 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was T 246 over Chippewa River built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 246 over Chippewa River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does T 246 over Chippewa River carry?

About 1 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is T 246 over Chippewa River?

The structure is 57 ft (17.3 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m).

Who owns T 246 over Chippewa River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.