US Bridges

US Highway 281 over Big Coulee

Good

Towner County, North Dakota · 4 North of Nd 17 · Structure no. 0281193777

Built
2000
25 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
690
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Highway 281 over Big Coulee is a concrete culvert carrying US Highway 281 over Big Coulee in Towner County, North Dakota. It was built in 2000, so it is 25 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 690 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 690 by 2039. The structure is 38 ft (11.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 54.1 mi (87 km).

CarriesUS Highway 281
CrossesBig Coulee
Location4 North of Nd 17
RouteU.S. Route 281
Coordinates48.53817, -99.2098
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
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 rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating89.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length38 ft (11.7 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic690 (2019)
Projected traffic690 by 2039
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed54.1 mi (87 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 281 over Big Coulee built?

It was built in 2000, making it 25 years old in 2025.

What condition is US Highway 281 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US Highway 281 over Big Coulee carry?

About 690 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US Highway 281 over Big Coulee?

The structure is 38 ft (11.7 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US Highway 281 over Big Coulee?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.