US Bridges

US Highway 81 over Berg Coulee

Good

Walsh County, North Dakota · 3 North of Nd 17 · Structure no. 0081193966

Built
2004
21 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
59 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,850
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Highway 81 over Berg Coulee is a concrete culvert carrying US Highway 81 over Berg Coulee in Walsh County, North Dakota. It was built in 2004, so it is 21 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 1,850 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,030 by 2033. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

CarriesUS Highway 81
CrossesBerg Coulee
Location3 North of Nd 17
RouteU.S. Route 81
Coordinates48.45552, -97.42169
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 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 rating74.2 US tons
Inventory rating44.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length59 ft (18 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,850 (2013)
Projected traffic2,030 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 Berg Coulee built?

It was built in 2004, making it 21 years old in 2025.

What condition is US Highway 81 over Berg 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 2024.

How much traffic does US Highway 81 over Berg Coulee carry?

About 1,850 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US Highway 81 over Berg Coulee?

The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns US Highway 81 over Berg Coulee?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.