US Bridges

Bluewater RD over Bluewater Creek 038

FairPosted for load

Carbon County, Montana · 3M SE Fromberg · Structure no. L05313001+03001

Built
1915
110 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
32 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2025 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bluewater RD over Bluewater Creek 038 is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bluewater RD over Bluewater Creek 038 in Carbon County, Montana. It was built in 1915, so it is 110 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. 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 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBluewater RD
CrossesBluewater Creek 038
Location3M SE Fromberg
RouteCounty Highway 5313
CountyCarbon County
StateMontana
Coordinates45.36513, -108.86718
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating12 US tons
Inventory rating7.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 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 closed14.3 mi (23 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$131,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bluewater RD over Bluewater Creek 038 built?

It was built in 1915, making it 110 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bluewater RD over Bluewater Creek 038 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Bluewater RD over Bluewater Creek 038 carry?

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

How long is Bluewater RD over Bluewater Creek 038?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Bluewater RD over Bluewater Creek 038?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.