US Bridges

5th ST SW over Knife River

FairPosted for load

Mercer County, North Dakota · 4 West 1 North Stanton · Structure no. 000000029135160

Built
1917
108 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
126 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

5th ST SW over Knife River is a steel truss - thru carrying 5th ST SW over Knife River in Mercer County, North Dakota. It was built in 1917 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 108 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 5 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 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5 by 2038. The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries5th ST SW
CrossesKnife River
Location4 West 1 North Stanton
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMercer County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates47.32679, -101.46883
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating5.4 US tons
Inventory rating3.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length126 ft (38.4 m)
Longest span98 ft (29.9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2018)
Projected traffic5 by 2038
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$320,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 5th ST SW over Knife River built?

It was built in 1917, making it 108 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is 5th ST SW over Knife 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does 5th ST SW over Knife River carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is 5th ST SW over Knife River?

The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long with a longest span of 98 ft (29.9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns 5th ST SW over Knife River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.