US Bridges

County Highway over Wild Rice River

FairPosted for load

Richland County, North Dakota · 3 South 1 West Wahpeton · Structure no. 000000039132280

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Wild Rice River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Highway over Wild Rice River in Richland County, North Dakota. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2038. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesWild Rice River
Location3 South 1 West Wahpeton
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRichland County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates46.22487, -96.62823
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
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating44.5 US tons
Inventory rating26.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.6 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$78,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Wild Rice River built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over Wild Rice 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does County Highway over Wild Rice River carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is County Highway over Wild Rice River?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Wild Rice River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.