US Bridges

US Highway 85 over Creek

Fair

McKenzie County, North Dakota · 2 S 1 W of Watford City · Structure no. 0085141566

Built
2014
11 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
55 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,880
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Highway 85 over Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US Highway 85 over Creek in McKenzie County, North Dakota. It was built in 2014, so it is 11 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 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 12,880 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,940 by 2039. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

CarriesUS Highway 85
CrossesCreek
Location2 S 1 W of Watford City
RouteU.S. Route 85
Coordinates47.76697, -103.30754
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: 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 rating50 US tons
Inventory rating39.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,880 (2019)
Projected traffic21,940 by 2039
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 85 over Creek built?

It was built in 2014, making it 11 years old in 2025.

What condition is US Highway 85 over 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does US Highway 85 over Creek carry?

About 12,880 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is US Highway 85 over Creek?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.3 m).

Who owns US Highway 85 over Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.