US Bridges

County Highway over Branch of Elm River

Fair

Cass County, North Dakota · 1 West of Hunter · Structure no. 000000009122042

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
33 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
20
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Branch of Elm River is a steel culvert carrying County Highway over Branch of Elm River in Cass County, North Dakota. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 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 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2039. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesBranch of Elm River
Location1 West of Hunter
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCass County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates47.18967, -97.23979
Functional classRural Local

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.
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating46.8 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2019)
Projected traffic20 by 2039
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$5,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Branch of Elm River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over Branch of Elm River 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 County Highway over Branch of Elm River carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is County Highway over Branch of Elm River?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns County Highway over Branch of Elm River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.