US Bridges

S 7 over Little Beaver Creek

Fair

Carter County, Montana · 6M NE Ekalaka · Structure no. P00027006+00871

Built
2010
15 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
116 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
392
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 7 over Little Beaver Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S 7 over Little Beaver Creek in Carter County, Montana. It was built in 2010, so it is 15 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 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 392 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 412 by 2043. The structure is 116 ft (35.4 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS 7
CrossesLittle Beaver Creek
Location6M NE Ekalaka
RouteState Highway 7
CountyCarter County
StateMontana
Coordinates45.9745, -104.49831
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length116 ft (35.4 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.5 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic392 (2023)
Projected traffic412 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$170,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S 7 over Little Beaver Creek built?

It was built in 2010, making it 15 years old in 2025.

What condition is S 7 over Little Beaver 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does S 7 over Little Beaver Creek carry?

About 392 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is S 7 over Little Beaver Creek?

The structure is 116 ft (35.4 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.5 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns S 7 over Little Beaver Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.