US Bridges

US Highway 281 over Bnrr Sep.

Poor

Benson County, North Dakota · 1 North US 2 · Structure no. 0281174610

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
262 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
450
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Highway 281 over Bnrr Sep. is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US Highway 281 over Bnrr Sep. in Benson County, North Dakota. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 450 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 450 by 2039. The structure is 262 ft (79.9 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 46 mi (74 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS Highway 281
CrossesBnrr Sep.
Location1 North US 2
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyBenson County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates48.27545, -99.2167
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 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
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating67.1 US tons
Inventory rating40.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 20
Structure length262 ft (79.9 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic450 (2019)
Projected traffic450 by 2039
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed46 mi (74 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$560,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US Highway 281 over Bnrr Sep. built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is US Highway 281 over Bnrr Sep. in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does US Highway 281 over Bnrr Sep. carry?

About 450 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US Highway 281 over Bnrr Sep.?

The structure is 262 ft (79.9 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US Highway 281 over Bnrr Sep.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.