US Bridges

County Highway over James River

Fair

Wells County, North Dakota · 3 North 2 West Fessenden · Structure no. 000000052119110

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over James River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying County Highway over James River in Wells County, North Dakota. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2039. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesJames River
Location3 North 2 West Fessenden
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWells County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates47.69539, -99.66208
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.4 US tons
Inventory rating30.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2019)
Projected traffic20 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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$146,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over James River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over James 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does County Highway over James River carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is County Highway over James River?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over James River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.