US Bridges

County Highway over Buffalo Coulee

FairPosted for load

Traill County, North Dakota · 4 East 1 South Buxton · Structure no. 000000049122060

Built
1920
105 years old, rebuilt 1976
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Buffalo Coulee is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Highway over Buffalo Coulee in Traill County, North Dakota. It was built in 1920 and reconstructed in 1976, so it is 105 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 6 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 2039. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesBuffalo Coulee
Location4 East 1 South Buxton
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTraill County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates47.5851, -97.01202
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating15.2 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2019)
Projected traffic20 by 2039
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$98,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Buffalo Coulee built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1976.

What condition is County Highway over Buffalo Coulee 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 Buffalo Coulee carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is County Highway over Buffalo Coulee?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Buffalo Coulee?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.