US Bridges

County Road over Coulee

FairPosted for load

McHenry County, North Dakota · 2 East 6 South of Velva · Structure no. 000000025108460

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road over Coulee is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road over Coulee in McHenry County, North Dakota. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 87 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 25 vehicles a day, projected to reach 25 by 2038. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road
CrossesCoulee
Location2 East 6 South of Velva
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMcHenry County
StateNorth Dakota
Coordinates47.96437, -100.88921
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating12.8 US tons
Inventory rating7.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2018)
Projected traffic25 by 2038
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$171,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road over Coulee built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is County Road over 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 2024.

How much traffic does County Road over Coulee carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is County Road over Coulee?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns County Road over Coulee?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.