US Bridges

US Highway 81 over English Coulee Diversion

Good

Grand Forks County, North Dakota · 2 North of US 2 · Structure no. 0081947460

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
73 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,990
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Highway 81 over English Coulee Diversion is a concrete culvert carrying US Highway 81 over English Coulee Diversion in Grand Forks County, North Dakota. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,990 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,990 by 2033. The structure is 73 ft (22.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS Highway 81
CrossesEnglish Coulee Diversion
Location2 North of US 2
RouteU.S. Route 81
Coordinates47.96194, -97.07449
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.3 US tons
Inventory rating49.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length73 ft (22.4 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,990 (2013)
Projected traffic4,990 by 2033
Trucks10%
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

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 English Coulee Diversion built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is US Highway 81 over English Coulee Diversion in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does US Highway 81 over English Coulee Diversion carry?

About 4,990 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US Highway 81 over English Coulee Diversion?

The structure is 73 ft (22.4 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m).

Who owns US Highway 81 over English Coulee Diversion?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.