US Bridges

County Highway over James River

FairPosted for load

Wells County, North Dakota · 3 North Fessenden · Structure no. 000000052121110

Built
1951
74 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
235
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over James River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Highway over James River in Wells County, North Dakota. It was built in 1951 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 74 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 6 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 235 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 235 by 2039. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesJames River
Location3 North Fessenden
RouteCounty Highway 5219
CountyWells County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates47.69304, -99.61907
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating29.1 US tons
Inventory rating17.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.5 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic235 (2019)
Projected traffic235 by 2039
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over James River built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

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 235 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is County Highway over James River?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.5 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over James River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.