US Bridges

County Highway over Coulee

Fair

Grand Forks County, North Dakota · 2 East 8 South Emerado · Structure no. 000000018127280

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 2018
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2013 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Coulee is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Highway over Coulee in Grand Forks County, North Dakota. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 2018, so it is 89 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 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 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 40 by 2033. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesCoulee
Location2 East 8 South Emerado
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyGrand Forks County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates47.79686, -97.32492
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2013)
Projected traffic40 by 2033
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$27,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Coulee built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2018.

What condition is County Highway over 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does County Highway over Coulee carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2013 count).

How long is County Highway over Coulee?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Coulee?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.