US Bridges

County Highway over Elm River

PoorPosted for load

Steele County, North Dakota · 12 East 1 South of Hope · Structure no. 000000046125260

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Elm River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Highway over Elm River in Steele County, North Dakota. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger 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 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 40 by 2037. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesElm River
Location12 East 1 South of Hope
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySteele County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates47.29711, -97.46878
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating18.8 US tons
Inventory rating11.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2017)
Projected traffic40 by 2037
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$42,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Elm River built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over Elm 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does County Highway over Elm River carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is County Highway over Elm River?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Elm River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.