US Bridges

US Highway 2 over Saltwater Coulee

Fair

Grand Forks County, North Dakota · 8 West of I-29 · Structure no. 0002347860 R

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 2006
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,400
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Highway 2 over Saltwater Coulee is a concrete culvert carrying US Highway 2 over Saltwater Coulee in Grand Forks County, North Dakota. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 2006, so it is 62 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 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 5,400 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,400 by 2039. The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS Highway 2
CrossesSaltwater Coulee
Location8 West of I-29
RouteU.S. Route 2
Coordinates47.93282, -97.2576
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69.9 US tons
Inventory rating53.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length31 ft (9.5 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,400 (2019)
Projected traffic5,400 by 2039
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkSTRAHNET connector

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 2 over Saltwater Coulee built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2006.

What condition is US Highway 2 over Saltwater 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US Highway 2 over Saltwater Coulee carry?

About 5,400 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US Highway 2 over Saltwater Coulee?

The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US Highway 2 over Saltwater Coulee?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.