US Bridges

US Highway 52 over Mott Coulee

Good

Ward County, North Dakota · 6 North of Donnybrook · Structure no. 0052052631

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,520
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Highway 52 over Mott Coulee is a concrete culvert carrying US Highway 52 over Mott Coulee in Ward County, North Dakota. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 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 1,520 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,520 by 2039. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 41 mi (66 km).

CarriesUS Highway 52
CrossesMott Coulee
Location6 North of Donnybrook
RouteU.S. Route 52
Coordinates48.56828, -101.98713
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.4 US tons
Inventory rating26.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,520 (2019)
Projected traffic1,520 by 2039
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed41 mi (66 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 52 over Mott Coulee built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is US Highway 52 over Mott 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US Highway 52 over Mott Coulee carry?

About 1,520 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US Highway 52 over Mott Coulee?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns US Highway 52 over Mott Coulee?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.