US Bridges

County Highway over Big Coulee

GoodClosed to traffic

Ramsey County, North Dakota · 1 E 1 N Churchs Ferry · Structure no. 000000036102181

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2022
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
70 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Big Coulee is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying County Highway over Big Coulee in Ramsey County, North Dakota. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 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. Its operating status is: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2038. The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesBig Coulee
Location1 E 1 N Churchs Ferry
RouteCounty Highway 0
Coordinates48.28188, -99.17171
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2022
Inspection interval—
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourScour critical; bridge has failed and is closed
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Approach roadway alignment0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length70 ft (21.3 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2018)
Projected traffic20 by 2038
Trucks—
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$299,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Big Coulee built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over Big Coulee 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 November 2022.

How much traffic does County Highway over Big Coulee carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is County Highway over Big Coulee?

The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Big Coulee?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.