US Bridges

County Road over Middle Branch Park River

PoorPosted for load

Walsh County, North Dakota · 1 West 7 North Park River · Structure no. 000000050126030

Built
1917
108 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road over Middle Branch Park River is a steel truss - thru carrying County Road over Middle Branch Park River in Walsh County, North Dakota. It was built in 1917, so it is 108 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 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road
CrossesMiddle Branch Park River
Location1 West 7 North Park River
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWalsh County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates48.50463, -97.7685
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.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
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 evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating21.1 US tons
Inventory rating12.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 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 closed14.3 mi (23 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$215,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road over Middle Branch Park River built?

It was built in 1917, making it 108 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road over Middle Branch Park 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 Road over Middle Branch Park River carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2014 count).

How long is County Road over Middle Branch Park River?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns County Road over Middle Branch Park River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.