US Bridges

US Highway 281 over Cottonwood Creek

Good

LaMoure County, North Dakota · 9 North of Nd 13 · Structure no. 0281039627

Built
2006
19 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
42 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,625
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Highway 281 over Cottonwood Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US Highway 281 over Cottonwood Creek in LaMoure County, North Dakota. It was built in 2006, so it is 19 years old, younger 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 1,625 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,370 by 2038. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.9 mi (69 km).

CarriesUS Highway 281
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location9 North of Nd 13
RouteU.S. Route 281
Coordinates46.48491, -98.70425
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 inspectionOctober 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating92 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length42 ft (12.8 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 traffic1,625 (2018)
Projected traffic2,370 by 2038
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed42.9 mi (69 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US Highway 281 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 2006, making it 19 years old in 2025.

What condition is US Highway 281 over Cottonwood Creek 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 October 2021.

How much traffic does US Highway 281 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 1,625 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US Highway 281 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US Highway 281 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.