US Bridges

University Avenue over English Coulee

Fair

Grand Forks County, North Dakota · University Ave-G. Forks · Structure no. 0000GF08

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
Prestressed Concrete
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
11,625
2019 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

University Avenue over English Coulee is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - single or spread carrying University Avenue over English Coulee in Grand Forks County, North Dakota. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 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 11,625 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,950 by 2039. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUniversity Avenue
CrossesEnglish Coulee
LocationUniversity Ave-G. Forks
RouteCity Street 8625
CountyGrand Forks County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates47.9223, -97.0766
Functional classUrban Minor 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.6 US tons
Inventory rating27.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.4 m)
Deck width62 ft (19 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,625 (2019)
Projected traffic13,950 by 2039
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesOther
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$68,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was University Avenue over English Coulee built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is University Avenue over English 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does University Avenue over English Coulee carry?

About 11,625 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is University Avenue over English Coulee?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.4 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns University Avenue over English Coulee?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.