US Bridges

Sth 81 over Madden Branch

Fair

Lafayette County, Wisconsin · 0.1M E JCT Sth 126 · Structure no. B33000800000000

Built
1966
59 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sth 81 over Madden Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Sth 81 over Madden Branch in Lafayette County, Wisconsin. It was built in 1966 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 59 years old, older than the Wisconsin average of 40.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 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 2,100 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,520 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.9 mi (61 km).

Location

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CarriesSth 81
CrossesMadden Branch
Location0.1M E JCT Sth 126
RouteState Highway 81
CountyLafayette County
StateWisconsin
Coordinates42.66775, -90.32901
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: 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 rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length22 ft (6.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,100 (2022)
Projected traffic2,520 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed37.9 mi (61 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 Sth 81 over Madden Branch built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is Sth 81 over Madden Branch 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Sth 81 over Madden Branch carry?

About 2,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Sth 81 over Madden Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Sth 81 over Madden Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.