US Bridges

T 79 over Big Swamp Creek

Good

Wadena County, Minnesota · 0.2 MI E of JCT Csah 18 · Structure no. R0139

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
21
1985 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 79 over Big Swamp Creek is a steel culvert carrying T 79 over Big Swamp Creek in Wadena County, Minnesota. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 21 vehicles a day, projected to reach 21 by 2029. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesT 79
CrossesBig Swamp Creek
Location0.2 MI E of JCT Csah 18
RouteCounty Highway 79
Coordinates46.67362, -94.84649
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating28.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21 (1985)
Projected traffic21 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 79 over Big Swamp Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 79 over Big Swamp Creek 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does T 79 over Big Swamp Creek carry?

About 21 vehicles per day (1985 count).

How long is T 79 over Big Swamp Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.4 m).

Who owns T 79 over Big Swamp Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.