US Bridges

T 51 over Lac Qui Parle River

Good

Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota · 0.4 MI S of JCT Csah 3 · Structure no. 96891

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
42 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20
1990 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

T 51 over Lac Qui Parle River is a concrete culvert carrying T 51 over Lac Qui Parle River in Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2029. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesT 51
CrossesLac Qui Parle River
Location0.4 MI S of JCT Csah 3
RouteCounty Highway 51
Coordinates44.71346, -96.19539
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.8 US tons
Inventory rating43.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (1990)
Projected traffic20 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 51 over Lac Qui Parle River built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is T 51 over Lac Qui Parle 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 November 2021.

How much traffic does T 51 over Lac Qui Parle River carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (1990 count).

How long is T 51 over Lac Qui Parle River?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns T 51 over Lac Qui Parle River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.