US Bridges

County Road 242 over Otter Creek 125

Fair

Cascade County, Montana · Blythe · Structure no. L07242000+01001

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
13
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 242 over Otter Creek 125 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 242 over Otter Creek 125 in Cascade County, Montana. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 75 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 13 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 14 by 2042. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 242
CrossesOtter Creek 125
LocationBlythe
RouteCounty Highway 7242
CountyCascade County
StateMontana
Coordinates47.29988, -110.83029
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13 (2023)
Projected traffic14 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 242 over Otter Creek 125 built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is County Road 242 over Otter Creek 125 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does County Road 242 over Otter Creek 125 carry?

About 13 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is County Road 242 over Otter Creek 125?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 242 over Otter Creek 125?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.