US Bridges

72nd Ave SW over Elm Creek

FairPosted for load

Mercer County, North Dakota · 2E 14.5 S Golden Valley · Structure no. 000000029109340

Built
1969
56 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
45
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

72nd Ave SW over Elm Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 72nd Ave SW over Elm Creek in Mercer County, North Dakota. It was built in 1969 and reconstructed in 1983, so it is 56 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 45 vehicles a day, projected to reach 45 by 2038. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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Carries72nd Ave SW
CrossesElm Creek
Location2E 14.5 S Golden Valley
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMercer County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates47.07635, -102.01779
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating18.3 US tons
Inventory rating13.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2018)
Projected traffic45 by 2038
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 72nd Ave SW over Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is 72nd Ave SW over Elm 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does 72nd Ave SW over Elm Creek carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is 72nd Ave SW over Elm Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns 72nd Ave SW over Elm Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.