US Bridges

US Highway 5 over Willow Creek

Fair

Rolette County, North Dakota · 1 West of U.S. HWY 281 · Structure no. 0005195685

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,350
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Highway 5 over Willow Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US Highway 5 over Willow Creek in Rolette County, North Dakota. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 1,350 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,350 by 2039. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

CarriesUS Highway 5
CrossesWillow Creek
Location1 West of U.S. HWY 281
RouteState Highway 5
Coordinates48.8058, -100.07144
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.4 US tons
Inventory rating31.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,350 (2019)
Projected traffic1,350 by 2039
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US Highway 5 over Willow Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is US Highway 5 over Willow Creek 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 US Highway 5 over Willow Creek carry?

About 1,350 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US Highway 5 over Willow Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns US Highway 5 over Willow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.