US Bridges

US Highway 52 over Kemp Coulee

Fair

Ward County, North Dakota · 7 Southeast of U.S. 2 · Structure no. 0052105390

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,200
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Highway 52 over Kemp Coulee is a concrete culvert carrying US Highway 52 over Kemp Coulee in Ward County, North Dakota. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 3,200 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,200 by 2039. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

CarriesUS Highway 52
CrossesKemp Coulee
Location7 Southeast of U.S. 2
RouteU.S. Route 52
Coordinates48.13006, -101.14066
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 rating44.2 US tons
Inventory rating26.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,200 (2019)
Projected traffic3,200 by 2039
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US Highway 52 over Kemp Coulee built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is US Highway 52 over Kemp Coulee in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

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

About 3,200 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US Highway 52 over Kemp Coulee?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US Highway 52 over Kemp Coulee?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.