US Bridges

County Highway over Buffalo Coulee

FairPosted for load

Traill County, North Dakota · 7 East 2 North Buxton · Structure no. 000000049125040

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1973
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
62 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20
2018 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 1930 and reconstructed in 1973, so it is 95 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 62 ft (18.9 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
Location7 East 2 North Buxton
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTraill County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates47.62365, -96.94096
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 2024
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating11.7 US tons
Inventory rating7.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$150,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Buffalo Coulee built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1973.

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 2024.

How much traffic does County Highway over Buffalo Coulee carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is County Highway over Buffalo Coulee?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Buffalo Coulee?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.