US Bridges

US Highway 52 over Spencer Coulee

Good

Ward County, North Dakota · Southeast of Nd HWY 50 · Structure no. 0052053959

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,510
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Highway 52 over Spencer Coulee is a concrete culvert carrying US Highway 52 over Spencer Coulee in Ward County, North Dakota. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 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 1,510 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,955 by 2039. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 41 mi (66 km).

CarriesUS Highway 52
CrossesSpencer Coulee
LocationSoutheast of Nd HWY 50
RouteU.S. Route 52
Coordinates48.55685, -101.96378
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 rating57.7 US tons
Inventory rating34.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length25 ft (7.6 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 traffic1,510 (2019)
Projected traffic1,955 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 Spencer Coulee built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is US Highway 52 over Spencer 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 Spencer Coulee carry?

About 1,510 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US Highway 52 over Spencer Coulee?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US Highway 52 over Spencer Coulee?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.