US Bridges

1869: Deadwood Gul over Big Sheep Creek

FairPosted for load

Beaverhead County, Montana · 6 MI SW of I-15 Exit 23 · Structure no. 000000000L59192

Built
1991
34 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25
2022 count
Owner
Federal
Bureau of Land Management

About this bridge

1869: Deadwood Gul over Big Sheep Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 1869: Deadwood Gul over Big Sheep Creek in Beaverhead County, Montana. It was built in 1991 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 34 years old, younger than the Montana average of 47 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 25 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2040. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries1869: Deadwood Gul
CrossesBig Sheep Creek
Location6 MI SW of I-15 Exit 23
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountyBeaverhead County
StateMontana
Coordinates44.66504, -112.76127
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating15 US tons
Inventory rating11.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2022)
Projected traffic35 by 2040
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerBureau of Land Management
Maintained byBureau of Land Management
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$16,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 1869: Deadwood Gul over Big Sheep Creek built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is 1869: Deadwood Gul over Big Sheep Creek 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does 1869: Deadwood Gul over Big Sheep Creek carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is 1869: Deadwood Gul over Big Sheep Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns 1869: Deadwood Gul over Big Sheep Creek?

It is owned by the Bureau of Land Management.