US Bridges

T 61 over Buffalo Creek

FairPosted for load

Sibley County, Minnesota · At the N CO Line · Structure no. 72524

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
1986 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 61 over Buffalo Creek is a wood or timber slab carrying T 61 over Buffalo Creek in Sibley 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2029. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesT 61
CrossesBuffalo Creek
LocationAt the N CO Line
RouteCounty Highway 61
CountySibley County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates44.7174, -94.19313
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating50.8 US tons
Inventory rating34.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (1986)
Projected traffic50 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$829 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was T 61 over Buffalo Creek built?

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

What condition is T 61 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does T 61 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (1986 count).

How long is T 61 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns T 61 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.