US Bridges

55th Ave. over Bn Railroad

FairPosted for load

Morton County, North Dakota · 9 West of New Salem · Structure no. 000000030123100

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
225 ft
14 main spans
Daily traffic
25
2018 count
Owner
Railroad
Railroad

About this bridge

55th Ave. over Bn Railroad is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 55th Ave. over Bn Railroad in Morton County, North Dakota. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 76 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 25 vehicles a day, projected to reach 25 by 2038. The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries55th Ave.
CrossesBn Railroad
Location9 West of New Salem
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMorton County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates46.84625, -101.61606
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating28.4 US tons
Inventory rating20.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans14
Design loadUnknown
Structure length225 ft (68.6 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2018)
Projected traffic25 by 2038
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerRailroad
Maintained byRailroad
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$476,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was 55th Ave. over Bn Railroad built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is 55th Ave. over Bn Railroad 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 2024.

How much traffic does 55th Ave. over Bn Railroad carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is 55th Ave. over Bn Railroad?

The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns 55th Ave. over Bn Railroad?

It is owned by the Railroad.