US Bridges

County Road over Forest River

PoorPosted for load

Walsh County, North Dakota · Southwest Corner Minto · Structure no. 000000050144180

Built
1915
110 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
82 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
26
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road over Forest River is a steel truss - thru carrying County Road over Forest River in Walsh County, North Dakota. It was built in 1915 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 110 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 76 by 2037. The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesCounty Road
CrossesForest River
LocationSouthwest Corner Minto
RouteCounty Highway 0
Coordinates48.28164, -97.37653
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 inspectionOctober 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating9.9 US tons
Inventory rating6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length82 ft (25 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26 (2017)
Projected traffic76 by 2037
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$272,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road over Forest River built?

It was built in 1915, making it 110 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is County Road 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does County Road over Forest River carry?

About 26 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is County Road over Forest River?

The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns County Road over Forest River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.