FHWA NBI 2026 Inspection record Public-domain dataset

WACHTER AVENUE

Carrying WACHTER AVENUE over STORM DRAIN

WACHTER AVE & AIRPORT EXP, Burleigh, North Dakota

FHWA NBI inspection record for this structure. Condition ratings, inventory load rating, span, deck width, and average daily traffic refresh annually with each NBI release.

Fair
25 t Inventory load rating

Bridge Snapshot: WACHTER AVENUE

The WACHTER AVENUE bridge in Burleigh, North Dakota carries WACHTER AVENUE over STORM DRAIN. It was built in 1969, making it 57 years old today. The structure is built primarily of concrete and spans 3 sections, stretching 7.6 meters (25 feet) end to end. Daily traffic averages 4,450 vehicles, placing it in the moderately-trafficked tier of North Dakota bridges. It is owned and maintained by City/Municipal Highway Agency, the entity responsible for routine inspections and any needed repairs.

The latest FHWA inspection records show culvert at 6/9 on the 0–9 NBI scale, where 9 is excellent and 0 is failed. The weakest component sits in fair condition, which drives the overall status of this bridge. No major component scores in the poor range, so the bridge is not classified as structurally deficient under federal criteria. Its NBI inventory load rating is 24.5 metric tons — the load level the structure is rated to carry at inventory (long-term) level.

In a county that maintains hundreds of NBI-tracked bridges, WACHTER AVENUE is one data point in a North Dakota inventory that FHWA inspects on a two-year cycle (more often when ratings fall). Bridge age alone is not a reliable safety signal — a 57-era structure can outperform a newer one when maintenance is consistent, materials are sound, and traffic loads stay within design limits. Use the condition ratings above, the sufficiency score, and the structurally-deficient flag together to read the bridge's real status, and check the linked county and state pages to see how this bridge ranks against its peers.

Every figure on this page comes directly from the Federal Highway Administration National Bridge Inventory (NBI), the public dataset that catalogs more than 617,000 highway bridges across the United States and is updated annually from the records that each state Department of Transportation submits to the FHWA. The condition codes use the standardized FHWA Recording and Coding Guide, the same scale that determines federal eligibility for the Highway Bridge Program and the Surface Transportation Block Grant set-aside for off-system bridges. A "structurally deficient" classification under those federal criteria is a maintenance and funding flag, never a closure order; states keep deficient bridges open with load posting, weight limits, or accelerated inspection cycles until rehabilitation or replacement is funded. See our methodology for refresh cadence and the exact NBI release vintage powering each record.

How WACHTER AVENUE compares

▼ 7.9
Load rating vs North Dakota average (32.4 t)
Bottom 35%
Lower load rating than 65% of North Dakota bridges
113
Bridges in Burleigh · 2 structurally deficient
WACHTER AVENUE 24.5 t
North Dakota average 32.4 t

NBI inventory load rating (metric tons) and structural-deficiency status compared across North Dakota, computed live from the FHWA NBI.

Condition Ratings

Culvert
6/9
Fair (5–6)
Inventory Load Rating
24.5 t
NBI inventory level (metric tons)
SD Status
Not SD

Ratings are on a 0–9 scale: 9 = Excellent, 7–8 = Good, 5–6 = Fair, 3–4 = Poor, 0–2 = Critical/Failed. Sufficiency rating (0–100) combines structural adequacy, functional obsolescence, and essentiality.

Structural Details

Year Built
1969
Material
Concrete
Number of Spans
3
Structure Length
7.6 m (25 ft)
Owner
City/Municipal Highway Agency
Avg Daily Traffic
4,450 vehicles/day
Structure Number
0000BISM06

Location

WACHTER AVE & AIRPORT EXP, Burleigh, North Dakota
46.784072, -100.779394
View on Google Maps ↗

Data Source

Data from the FHWA National Bridge Inventory (NBI). Bridge inspections are required every two years by federal law. Conditions reflect the most recent inspection.

FHWA NBI Program ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the condition ratings mean for WACHTER AVENUE?

Bridge condition ratings use a 0–9 scale set by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Ratings 7–9 indicate good condition with no significant problems. Ratings 5–6 mean fair condition with minor issues. Ratings 3–4 indicate poor condition requiring repair. Ratings 0–2 are critical, meaning the bridge has serious structural problems. WACHTER AVENUE in Burleigh, North Dakota.

How often is WACHTER AVENUE inspected?

Federal law requires most highway bridges to be inspected at least every 24 months. Bridges in poor condition or with known issues may be inspected more frequently (every 12 months or less). WACHTER AVENUE is part of the National Bridge Inventory maintained by the FHWA. With 4,450 vehicles crossing daily, regular inspection is essential.

What does "structurally deficient" mean for a bridge?

A structurally deficient bridge has at least one major component (deck, superstructure, or substructure) rated 4 or below on the FHWA 0–9 scale. This classification does NOT mean the bridge is unsafe for travel — it means the bridge needs repair, rehabilitation, or eventual replacement. Structurally deficient bridges remain open and are monitored. WACHTER AVENUE is not classified as structurally deficient.

What is the inventory load rating for WACHTER AVENUE?

The NBI inventory rating is the load level a bridge is rated to carry for an indefinite period, recorded in metric tons. A lower number means the structure is more load-restricted. WACHTER AVENUE has an inventory load rating of 24.5 metric tons. It is distinct from the FHWA sufficiency rating, a separate 0–100 funding-eligibility score that this dataset does not include.

Who is responsible for maintaining WACHTER AVENUE?

Bridge ownership and maintenance responsibility varies — bridges may be owned by state DOTs, counties, cities, railroads, or federal agencies. WACHTER AVENUE is maintained by City/Municipal Highway Agency. The FHWA oversees the National Bridge Inventory program and sets inspection standards, but day-to-day maintenance falls to the owning agency. If you notice damage or safety concerns, contact your state DOT or call 911 for emergencies.

How old is WACHTER AVENUE and does age affect safety?

WACHTER AVENUE was built in 1969, making it 57 years old. Bridge age alone does not determine safety — condition depends on materials, design, traffic load, maintenance history, and environmental exposure. Many older bridges remain in good condition due to regular maintenance and reconstruction.

Disclaimer: Bridge condition data is from the FHWA NBI and reflects the last reported inspection. A structurally deficient rating does not mean a bridge is closed or unsafe for travel — it indicates the bridge requires repair or replacement. For current closure or safety information, contact your state DOT.

Related

Data sourced from official U.S. government datasets. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainBridges Editorial