US Bridges

County Highway over North Branch Elm River

PoorPosted for load

Traill County, North Dakota · 2 East 6 South Hillsboro · Structure no. 000000049122250

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
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 North Branch Elm River is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Highway over North Branch Elm River in Traill County, North Dakota. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 21 by 2039. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesNorth Branch Elm River
Location2 East 6 South Hillsboro
RouteCounty Highway 0
Coordinates47.31845, -97.00783
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating22.2 US tons
Inventory rating15.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2019)
Projected traffic21 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$102,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over North Branch Elm River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over North Branch Elm River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does County Highway over North Branch Elm River carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is County Highway over North Branch Elm River?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over North Branch Elm River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.