US Bridges

County Highway over County Drain No. 3

PoorPosted for load

Richland County, North Dakota · 4 South 5 West Fairmont · Structure no. 000000039128440

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over County Drain No. 3 is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Highway over County Drain No. 3 in Richland County, North Dakota. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2038. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesCounty Drain No. 3
Location4 South 5 West Fairmont
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRichland County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates45.99368, -96.72152
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.3 US tons
Inventory rating29.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2018)
Projected traffic20 by 2038
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$176,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over County Drain No. 3 built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over County Drain No. 3 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does County Highway over County Drain No. 3 carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is County Highway over County Drain No. 3?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over County Drain No. 3?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.