US Bridges

Red Rock Road over Big Sheep Creek 026

Fair

Beaverhead County, Montana · SE Dell · Structure no. L01309008+06001

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2025 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Red Rock Road over Big Sheep Creek 026 is a concrete slab carrying Red Rock Road over Big Sheep Creek 026 in Beaverhead County, Montana. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 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 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRed Rock Road
CrossesBig Sheep Creek 026
LocationSE Dell
RouteState Highway 1309
CountyBeaverhead County
StateMontana
Coordinates44.71793, -112.69687
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 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 closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Red Rock Road over Big Sheep Creek 026 built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is Red Rock Road over Big Sheep Creek 026 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 Red Rock Road over Big Sheep Creek 026 carry?

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

How long is Red Rock Road over Big Sheep Creek 026?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Red Rock Road over Big Sheep Creek 026?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.