US Bridges

T 357 over Watab River

Fair

Stearns County, Minnesota · 0.8 MI N of JCT Csah 4 · Structure no. 73547

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
66 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,400
2017 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 357 over Watab River is a wood or timber slab carrying T 357 over Watab River in Stearns County, Minnesota. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 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 1,400 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,400 by 2037. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesT 357
CrossesWatab River
Location0.8 MI N of JCT Csah 4
RouteCounty Highway 357
CountyStearns County
StateMinnesota
Coordinates45.62295, -94.26363
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70.2 US tons
Inventory rating49.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,400 (2017)
Projected traffic1,400 by 2037
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 357 over Watab River built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 357 over Watab River 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does T 357 over Watab River carry?

About 1,400 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is T 357 over Watab River?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns T 357 over Watab River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.