US Bridges

Approach over Elm Coulee

Fair

Grand Forks County, North Dakota · West of I-29 · Structure no. 0015133708 N

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Approach over Elm Coulee is a concrete tee beam carrying Approach over Elm Coulee in Grand Forks County, North Dakota. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 10 by 2039. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesApproach
CrossesElm Coulee
LocationWest of I-29
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyGrand Forks County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates47.77403, -97.08699
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating71.3 US tons
Inventory rating42.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2019)
Projected traffic10 by 2039
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$89,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Approach over Elm Coulee built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Approach over Elm 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 2023.

How much traffic does Approach over Elm Coulee carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Approach over Elm Coulee?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Approach over Elm Coulee?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.