US Bridges

Rock Creek RD over Big Hole River 078

Fair

Beaverhead County, Montana · 3M SW Wisdom · Structure no. L01014001+03001

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2025 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rock Creek RD over Big Hole River 078 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Rock Creek RD over Big Hole River 078 in Beaverhead County, Montana. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 5 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 100 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRock Creek RD
CrossesBig Hole River 078
Location3M SW Wisdom
RouteCounty Highway 1014
CountyBeaverhead County
StateMontana
Coordinates45.56704, -113.48533
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.9 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2025)
Projected traffic100 by 2040
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Rock Creek RD over Big Hole River 078 built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rock Creek RD over Big Hole River 078 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 Rock Creek RD over Big Hole River 078 carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Rock Creek RD over Big Hole River 078?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Rock Creek RD over Big Hole River 078?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.