US Bridges

County Highway over Big Coulee

GoodClosed to traffic

Benson County, North Dakota · 7 South Churchs Ferry · Structure no. 000000003130140

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2020
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Big Coulee is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying County Highway over Big Coulee in Benson County, North Dakota. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. Its operating status is: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2038. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesBig Coulee
Location7 South Churchs Ferry
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBenson County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates48.16584, -99.21376
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2020
Inspection interval—
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourScour critical; bridge has failed and is closed
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2018)
Projected traffic20 by 2038
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$251,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Big Coulee built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over Big Coulee in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2020.

How much traffic does County Highway over Big Coulee carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is County Highway over Big Coulee?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Big Coulee?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.