US Bridges

County Road over Middle Branch Park River

PoorPosted for load

Walsh County, North Dakota · 8 North of Park River · Structure no. 000000050126031

Built
1918
107 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
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 1918 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 107 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 20 by 2034. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesCounty Road
CrossesMiddle Branch Park River
Location8 North of Park River
RouteCounty Highway 0
Coordinates48.5083, -97.75351
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating6.2 US tons
Inventory rating3.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2014)
Projected traffic20 by 2034
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$242,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road over Middle Branch Park River built?

It was built in 1918, making it 107 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

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 20 vehicles per day (2014 count).

How long is County Road over Middle Branch Park River?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns County Road over Middle Branch Park River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.