US Bridges

T 81 over Little Chippewa River

Good

Pope County, Minnesota · 0.9 MI W of JCT CR 81 · Structure no. L5888

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
35
1994 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 81 over Little Chippewa River is a concrete culvert carrying T 81 over Little Chippewa River in Pope County, Minnesota. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 years old, older 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 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 35 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2029. The structure is 24 ft (7.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesT 81
CrossesLittle Chippewa River
Location0.9 MI W of JCT CR 81
RouteCounty Highway 81
Coordinates45.64345, -95.61028
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 length24 ft (7.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (1994)
Projected traffic35 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 81 over Little Chippewa River built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 81 over Little Chippewa 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 August 2022.

How much traffic does T 81 over Little Chippewa River carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (1994 count).

How long is T 81 over Little Chippewa River?

The structure is 24 ft (7.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.1 m).

Who owns T 81 over Little Chippewa River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.