US Bridges

County Highway over Sheyenne River

PoorPosted for load

Nelson County, North Dakota · 4 South 2 West Tolna · Structure no. 000000032103290

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
61 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Sheyenne River is a steel truss - thru carrying County Highway over Sheyenne River in Nelson County, North Dakota. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2037. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesSheyenne River
Location4 South 2 West Tolna
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyNelson County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates47.77675, -98.47814
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating15.4 US tons
Inventory rating9.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span59 ft (18 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2017)
Projected traffic20 by 2037
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$260,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Sheyenne River built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over Sheyenne River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does County Highway over Sheyenne River carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is County Highway over Sheyenne River?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Sheyenne River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.