US Bridges

County Highway over Pipestem Creek

FairPosted for load

Stutsman County, North Dakota · 4 West of Buchanan · Structure no. 000000047127180

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
140
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Pipestem Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying County Highway over Pipestem Creek in Stutsman County, North Dakota. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 140 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 120 by 2038. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesPipestem Creek
Location4 West of Buchanan
RouteCounty Highway 4718
CountyStutsman County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates47.06633, -98.91909
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating31.6 US tons
Inventory rating18.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic140 (2018)
Projected traffic120 by 2038
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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$48,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Pipestem Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over Pipestem 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does County Highway over Pipestem Creek carry?

About 140 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is County Highway over Pipestem Creek?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Pipestem Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.