US Bridges

County Road over Tongue River

Poor

Pembina County, North Dakota · 5 East of Backoo · Structure no. 000000034116120

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 1963
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
26
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road over Tongue River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road over Tongue River in Pembina County, North Dakota. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 1963, so it is 77 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 4 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.

It carries about 26 vehicles a day, projected to reach 26 by 2034. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road
CrossesTongue River
Location5 East of Backoo
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPembina County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates48.83356, -97.60404
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.4 US tons
Inventory rating45.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26 (2014)
Projected traffic26 by 2034
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$38,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road over Tongue River built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1963.

What condition is County Road over Tongue 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does County Road over Tongue River carry?

About 26 vehicles per day (2014 count).

How long is County Road over Tongue River?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns County Road over Tongue River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.