US Bridges

US Highway 12 over Flat Creek

Fair

Adams County, North Dakota · West Edge of Hettinger · Structure no. 0012073283

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
47 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,370
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Highway 12 over Flat Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US Highway 12 over Flat Creek in Adams County, North Dakota. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 years old, older than the North Dakota average of 48.2 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 1,370 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,463 by 2039. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.1 mi (79 km).

Location

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CarriesUS Highway 12
CrossesFlat Creek
LocationWest Edge of Hettinger
RouteU.S. Route 12
CountyAdams County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates46.00224, -102.64692
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.7 US tons
Inventory rating34.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 15
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,370 (2019)
Projected traffic1,463 by 2039
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.1 mi (79 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US Highway 12 over Flat Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is US Highway 12 over Flat 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US Highway 12 over Flat Creek carry?

About 1,370 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US Highway 12 over Flat Creek?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US Highway 12 over Flat Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.