US Bridges

County Highway over Elm River

FairPosted for load

Traill County, North Dakota · 3 East 1 South Clifford · Structure no. 000000049107240

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
44 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
20
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Elm River is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Highway over Elm River in Traill County, North Dakota. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1972, so it is 90 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2038. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesElm River
Location3 East 1 South Clifford
RouteCounty Highway 0
Coordinates47.33803, -97.34469
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating29.1 US tons
Inventory rating21.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2018)
Projected traffic20 by 2038
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Elm River built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1972.

What condition is County Highway over Elm 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does County Highway over Elm River carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is County Highway over Elm River?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Elm River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.