US Bridges

U.S. Highway 52 over Upper Des Lacs Lake

Fair

Burke County, North Dakota · 5 East of Bowbells · Structure no. 0052032535

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,260
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. Highway 52 over Upper Des Lacs Lake is a concrete culvert carrying U.S. Highway 52 over Upper Des Lacs Lake in Burke County, North Dakota. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 years old, younger 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 1,260 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,260 by 2037. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.1 mi (71 km).

CarriesU.S. Highway 52
CrossesUpper Des Lacs Lake
Location5 East of Bowbells
RouteU.S. Route 52
Coordinates48.80721, -102.11942
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,260 (2017)
Projected traffic1,260 by 2037
Trucks28%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.1 mi (71 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S. Highway 52 over Upper Des Lacs Lake built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S. Highway 52 over Upper Des Lacs Lake 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does U.S. Highway 52 over Upper Des Lacs Lake carry?

About 1,260 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is U.S. Highway 52 over Upper Des Lacs Lake?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m).

Who owns U.S. Highway 52 over Upper Des Lacs Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.