US Bridges

Interstate 29 over Turtle River

Fair

Grand Forks County, North Dakota · 7 South of Nd 54 · Structure no. 0029153750 L

Built
1971
54 years old, rebuilt 2016
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
255 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,750
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 29 over Turtle River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Interstate 29 over Turtle River in Grand Forks County, North Dakota. It was built in 1971 and reconstructed in 2016, so it is 54 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 2,750 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,750 by 2039. The structure is 255 ft (77.7 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesInterstate 29
CrossesTurtle River
Location7 South of Nd 54
RouteInterstate 29
Coordinates48.09672, -97.17577
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70.7 US tons
Inventory rating42.3 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length255 ft (77.7 m)
Longest span98 ft (29.9 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,750 (2019)
Projected traffic2,750 by 2039
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 Interstate 29 over Turtle River built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2016.

What condition is Interstate 29 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Interstate 29 over Turtle River carry?

About 2,750 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is Interstate 29 over Turtle River?

The structure is 255 ft (77.7 m) long with a longest span of 98 ft (29.9 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 29 over Turtle River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.