US Bridges

US Highway 281 over Beaver Creek

Good

Stutsman County, North Dakota · 7 North of Nd 46 · Structure no. 0281056743

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
51 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,945
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Highway 281 over Beaver Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US Highway 281 over Beaver Creek in Stutsman County, North Dakota. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,945 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,820 by 2038. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 60.3 mi (97 km).

CarriesUS Highway 281
CrossesBeaver Creek
Location7 North of Nd 46
RouteU.S. Route 281
Coordinates46.73059, -98.7128
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,945 (2018)
Projected traffic2,820 by 2038
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed60.3 mi (97 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 281 over Beaver Creek built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is US Highway 281 over Beaver Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2021.

How much traffic does US Highway 281 over Beaver Creek carry?

About 1,945 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US Highway 281 over Beaver Creek?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns US Highway 281 over Beaver Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.