US Bridges

Interstate 94 over US 81

Fair

Cass County, North Dakota · I-94-US 81 Intchnge-Fargo · Structure no. 0094351596

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
203 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
49,800
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 94 over US 81 is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Interstate 94 over US 81 in Cass County, North Dakota. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 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 49,800 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 49,800 by 2039. The structure is 203 ft (61.9 m) long and 137 ft wide.

CarriesInterstate 94
CrossesUS 81
LocationI-94-US 81 Intchnge-Fargo
RouteInterstate 94
Coordinates46.84861, -96.79864
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.2 US tons
Inventory rating45.6 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length203 ft (61.9 m)
Longest span59 ft (18 m)
Deck width137 ft (41.9 m)
Roadway width135 ft (41.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic49,800 (2019)
Projected traffic49,800 by 2039
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Interstate 94 over US 81 built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is Interstate 94 over US 81 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Interstate 94 over US 81 carry?

About 49,800 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Interstate 94 over US 81?

The structure is 203 ft (61.9 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18 m) and a deck 137 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 94 over US 81?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.