US Bridges

NFSR 839 over Belt Creek

PoorPosted for load

Cascade County, Montana · 8.4 Mi. W of US 89 JCT · Structure no. 011507000001009

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
122 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
46
1990 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

NFSR 839 over Belt Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NFSR 839 over Belt Creek in Cascade County, Montana. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 71 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 3 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 46 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2000. The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

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CarriesNFSR 839
CrossesBelt Creek
Location8.4 Mi. W of US 89 JCT
RouteFederal Lands Road 839
CountyCascade County
StateMontana
Coordinates47.13566, -110.94325
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating23 US tons
Inventory rating14 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length122 ft (37.2 m)
Longest span59 ft (18.1 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.6 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic46 (1990)
Projected traffic50 by 2000
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NFSR 839 over Belt Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is NFSR 839 over Belt Creek 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does NFSR 839 over Belt Creek carry?

About 46 vehicles per day (1990 count).

How long is NFSR 839 over Belt Creek?

The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18.1 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns NFSR 839 over Belt Creek?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.