US Bridges

US Highway 52 over Des Lacs River

Fair

Ward County, North Dakota · Southeast of Kenmare · Structure no. 0052050618

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,550
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Highway 52 over Des Lacs River is a concrete culvert carrying US Highway 52 over Des Lacs River in Ward County, North Dakota. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 1,550 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,550 by 2039. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 41 mi (66 km).

CarriesUS Highway 52
CrossesDes Lacs River
LocationSoutheast of Kenmare
RouteU.S. Route 52
Coordinates48.59167, -101.99667
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,550 (2019)
Projected traffic1,550 by 2039
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed41 mi (66 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US Highway 52 over Des Lacs River built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is US Highway 52 over Des Lacs River 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 October 2021.

How much traffic does US Highway 52 over Des Lacs River carry?

About 1,550 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is US Highway 52 over Des Lacs River?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns US Highway 52 over Des Lacs River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.