US Highway 281 SB over James River
FairStutsman County, North Dakota · 1 North of I-94 · Structure no. 0281068593 L
- Built
- 1960
- 65 years old, rebuilt 1999
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected October 2023
- Type
- Tee Beam
- Concrete Continuous
- Length
- 145 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 10,370
- 2020 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
US Highway 281 SB over James River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying US Highway 281 SB over James River in Stutsman County, North Dakota. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1999, 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 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 10,370 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,200 by 2040. The structure is 145 ft (44.2 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was US Highway 281 SB over James River built?
It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.
What condition is US Highway 281 SB 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 281 SB over James River carry?
About 10,370 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.
How long is US Highway 281 SB over James River?
The structure is 145 ft (44.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.
Who owns US Highway 281 SB over James River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.