US Bridges

County Highway over Elm River

Fair

Traill County, North Dakota · 0.5 South of Blanchard · Structure no. 000000049112230

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Elm River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Highway over Elm River in Traill County, North Dakota. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1978, so it is 88 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 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 10 by 2038. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesElm River
Location0.5 South of Blanchard
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTraill County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates47.33857, -97.21955
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating65.9 US tons
Inventory rating39.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2018)
Projected traffic10 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 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1978.

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 August 2024.

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 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Elm River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.