US Bridges

County Trail over Forest River

PoorPosted for load

Walsh County, North Dakota · 14 South of Park River · Structure no. 000000050127240

Built
1923
102 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
72 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
26
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Trail over Forest River is a steel truss - thru carrying County Trail over Forest River in Walsh County, North Dakota. It was built in 1923, so it is 102 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 26 vehicles a day, projected to reach 26 by 2039. The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Trail
CrossesForest River
Location14 South of Park River
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWalsh County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates48.19739, -97.73004
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.
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 inspectionAugust 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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating3 US tons
Inventory rating1.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length72 ft (21.9 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26 (2019)
Projected traffic26 by 2039
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 statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$270,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Trail over Forest River built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025.

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 August 2024.

How much traffic does County Trail over Forest River carry?

About 26 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is County Trail over Forest River?

The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns County Trail over Forest River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.