US Bridges

US Highway 281 over Maple River

Good

LaMoure County, North Dakota · 2 South of Nd 13 · Structure no. 0281028719

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Good
inspected July 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
970
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Highway 281 over Maple River is a concrete culvert carrying US Highway 281 over Maple River in LaMoure County, North Dakota. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 1972, so it is 84 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 970 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 922 by 2039. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS Highway 281
CrossesMaple River
Location2 South of Nd 13
RouteU.S. Route 281
Coordinates46.32915, -98.68908
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic970 (2019)
Projected traffic922 by 2039
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 US Highway 281 over Maple River built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1972.

What condition is US Highway 281 over Maple River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2022.

How much traffic does US Highway 281 over Maple River carry?

About 970 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US Highway 281 over Maple River?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US Highway 281 over Maple River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.