US Bridges

W Pryor RD over Elbow Creek 037

PoorPosted for load

Carbon County, Montana · 3M W Edgar · Structure no. L05127000+07001

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2025 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

W Pryor RD over Elbow Creek 037 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying W Pryor RD over Elbow Creek 037 in Carbon County, Montana. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 years old, older than the Montana average of 47 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 100 by 2040. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesW Pryor RD
CrossesElbow Creek 037
Location3M W Edgar
RouteCounty Highway 5101
StateMontana
Coordinates45.46437, -108.91024
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating5 US tons
Inventory rating5 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$45,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was W Pryor RD over Elbow Creek 037 built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is W Pryor RD over Elbow Creek 037 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does W Pryor RD over Elbow Creek 037 carry?

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

How long is W Pryor RD over Elbow Creek 037?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns W Pryor RD over Elbow Creek 037?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.