US Bridges

I 15 over Big Sheep Creek

Fair

Beaverhead County, Montana · 0.6M S Dell · Structure no. I00015023+02102

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,863
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 15 over Big Sheep Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 15 over Big Sheep Creek in Beaverhead County, Montana. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 years old, older 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.

It carries about 1,863 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,993 by 2043. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesI 15
CrossesBig Sheep Creek
Location0.6M S Dell
RouteInterstate 15
StateMontana
Coordinates44.71754, -112.69776
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68 US tons
Inventory rating53 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,863 (2023)
Projected traffic1,993 by 2043
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I 15 over Big Sheep Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 15 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does I 15 over Big Sheep Creek carry?

About 1,863 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is I 15 over Big Sheep Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns I 15 over Big Sheep Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.