US Bridges

159th Ave SW over N. Branch Garner Creek

Fair

Golden Valley County, North Dakota · 6 S. 2 E. Sentinel Butte · Structure no. 000000017112350

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
60
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

159th Ave SW over N. Branch Garner Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying 159th Ave SW over N. Branch Garner Creek in Golden Valley 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 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2039. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries159th Ave SW
CrossesN. Branch Garner Creek
Location6 S. 2 E. Sentinel Butte
RouteCounty Highway 1711
CountyGolden Valley County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates46.82871, -103.79749
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating51.5 US tons
Inventory rating30.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.2 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2019)
Projected traffic50 by 2039
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 159th Ave SW over N. Branch Garner Creek built?

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

What condition is 159th Ave SW over N. Branch Garner 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does 159th Ave SW over N. Branch Garner Creek carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is 159th Ave SW over N. Branch Garner Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns 159th Ave SW over N. Branch Garner Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.