US Bridges

County Highway over Coulee

Poor

Benson County, North Dakota · 1 South Leeds · Structure no. 000000003119060

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
34 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
75
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Coulee is a steel culvert carrying County Highway over Coulee in Benson County, North Dakota. It was built in 1951, 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 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.

It carries about 75 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2038. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesCoulee
Location1 South Leeds
RouteCounty Highway 319
CountyBenson County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates48.28228, -99.43814
Functional classRural Major Collector

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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating54.3 US tons
Inventory rating47.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic75 (2018)
Projected traffic75 by 2038
Trucks—
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 Coulee built?

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

What condition is County Highway over Coulee 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 Coulee carry?

About 75 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is County Highway over Coulee?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns County Highway over Coulee?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.