US Bridges

County Trail over Forest River

PoorPosted for load

Walsh County, North Dakota · 2 East 1 North of Lankin · Structure no. 000000050120150

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Trail over Forest River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Trail over Forest River in Walsh County, North Dakota. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 90 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 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5 by 2034. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesCounty Trail
CrossesForest River
Location2 East 1 North of Lankin
RouteCounty Highway 0
Coordinates48.32538, -97.88487
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating4 US tons
Inventory rating2.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.6 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2014)
Projected traffic5 by 2034
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$203,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Trail over Forest River built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is County Trail over Forest 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does County Trail over Forest River carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2014 count).

How long is County Trail over Forest River?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns County Trail over Forest River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.