US Bridges

T 261 over Buffalo Creek

FairPosted for load

Renville County, Minnesota · 2.4 MI N of JCT TH 212 · Structure no. 65537

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
84 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
39
1983 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 261 over Buffalo Creek is a wood or timber slab carrying T 261 over Buffalo Creek in Renville County, Minnesota. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 39 vehicles a day, projected to reach 39 by 2029. The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesT 261
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location2.4 MI N of JCT TH 212
RouteCounty Highway 261
CountyRenville County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.75962, -94.53882
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.5 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length84 ft (25.6 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic39 (1983)
Projected traffic39 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 261 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 261 over Buffalo 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 2023.

How much traffic does T 261 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 39 vehicles per day (1983 count).

How long is T 261 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns T 261 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.