US Bridges

US Highway 52 over James River

Fair

Stutsman County, North Dakota · 1 Northwest of Nd 20 · Structure no. 0052264943

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1963
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
108 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,600
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Highway 52 over James River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US Highway 52 over James River in Stutsman County, North Dakota. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1963, so it is 86 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.

It carries about 5,600 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,810 by 2040. The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long and 68 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS Highway 52
CrossesJames River
Location1 Northwest of Nd 20
RouteU.S. Route 52
CountyStutsman County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates46.91256, -98.71742
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating41.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length108 ft (32.9 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width68 ft (20.8 m)
Roadway width54 ft (16.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,600 (2020)
Projected traffic7,810 by 2040
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$276,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US Highway 52 over James River built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1963.

What condition is US Highway 52 over James 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US Highway 52 over James River carry?

About 5,600 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US Highway 52 over James River?

The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 68 ft wide.

Who owns US Highway 52 over James River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.