US Bridges

County Highway over Oak Creek

FairPosted for load

Ward County, North Dakota · 3 West 5 South Sawyer · Structure no. 000000051151541

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Oak Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Highway over Oak Creek in Ward County, North Dakota. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 25 vehicles a day, projected to reach 25 by 2039. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesOak Creek
Location3 West 5 South Sawyer
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWard County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates48.01183, -101.12144
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating21.6 US tons
Inventory rating15.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2019)
Projected traffic25 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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$57,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Oak Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over Oak Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does County Highway over Oak Creek carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is County Highway over Oak Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Oak Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.