US Bridges

US Highway 81 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Grand Forks County, North Dakota · 5 North of Manvel · Structure no. 0081168708

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,950
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Highway 81 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying US Highway 81 over Drainage Ditch in Grand Forks County, North Dakota. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 75 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 1,950 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,950 by 2033. The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS Highway 81
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location5 North of Manvel
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyGrand Forks County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates48.13567, -97.25022
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 inspectionMay 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89.3 US tons
Inventory rating53.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.7 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,950 (2013)
Projected traffic1,950 by 2033
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 81 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is US Highway 81 over Drainage Ditch 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 2024.

How much traffic does US Highway 81 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 1,950 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US Highway 81 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.5 m).

Who owns US Highway 81 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.