US Bridges

US Highway 52 over Pipestem Creek

Fair

Wells County, North Dakota · 1 West Nd 30 · Structure no. 0052208121

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
40 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,290
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Highway 52 over Pipestem Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US Highway 52 over Pipestem Creek in Wells County, North Dakota. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 1,290 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,290 by 2039. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 55.3 mi (89 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS Highway 52
CrossesPipestem Creek
Location1 West Nd 30
RouteU.S. Route 52
CountyWells County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates47.45759, -99.42815
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating65.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,290 (2019)
Projected traffic1,290 by 2039
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed55.3 mi (89 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 Pipestem Creek built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is US Highway 52 over Pipestem 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US Highway 52 over Pipestem Creek carry?

About 1,290 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is US Highway 52 over Pipestem Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns US Highway 52 over Pipestem Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.