US Bridges

US Highway 81 over Rose Coulee

Fair

Cass County, North Dakota · 2 South of I-94 · Structure no. 0081922454

Built
2009
16 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
198 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,320
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Highway 81 over Rose Coulee is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US Highway 81 over Rose Coulee in Cass County, North Dakota. It was built in 2009, so it is 16 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 5 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 7,320 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,520 by 2039. The structure is 198 ft (60.4 m) long and 88 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS Highway 81
CrossesRose Coulee
Location2 South of I-94
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyCass County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates46.81512, -96.80422
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating66 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length198 ft (60.4 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width88 ft (26.8 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,320 (2019)
Projected traffic18,520 by 2039
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 81 over Rose Coulee built?

It was built in 2009, making it 16 years old in 2025.

What condition is US Highway 81 over Rose Coulee 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US Highway 81 over Rose Coulee carry?

About 7,320 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US Highway 81 over Rose Coulee?

The structure is 198 ft (60.4 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 88 ft wide.

Who owns US Highway 81 over Rose Coulee?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.