US Bridges

County Highway over Elm River

PoorPosted for load

Traill County, North Dakota · 7 East 8 South Hillsboro · Structure no. 000000049127270

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1973
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
76 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10
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 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 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 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 10 by 2038. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesElm River
Location7 East 8 South Hillsboro
RouteCounty Highway 0
Coordinates47.29558, -96.90113
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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating14.9 US tons
Inventory rating10.3 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$182,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Elm River built?

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

What condition is County Highway over 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 Elm River carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is County Highway over Elm River?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Elm River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.