US Bridges

County Highway over James River

PoorPosted for load

Wells County, North Dakota · 2 North 4 East Fessenden · Structure no. 000000052125120

Built
1915
110 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over James River is a steel truss - thru carrying County Highway over James River in Wells County, North Dakota. It was built in 1915, 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 4 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 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5 by 2039. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesJames River
Location2 North 4 East Fessenden
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWells County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates47.67693, -99.53324
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating11.4 US tons
Inventory rating6.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2019)
Projected traffic5 by 2039
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$227,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over James River built?

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

What condition is County Highway over James 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does County Highway over James River carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is County Highway over James River?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over James River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.