US Bridges

County Road over Turtle River

Fair

Grand Forks County, North Dakota · West Edge Mekinock · Structure no. 000000018125134

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road over Turtle River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road over Turtle River in Grand Forks County, North Dakota. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 20 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 20 by 2039. The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road
CrossesTurtle River
LocationWest Edge Mekinock
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyGrand Forks County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates48.02047, -97.37659
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.5 m)
Longest span36 ft (11.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2019)
Projected traffic20 by 2039
Trucks8%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$38,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road over Turtle River built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road over Turtle 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does County Road over Turtle River carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is County Road over Turtle River?

The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns County Road over Turtle River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.