US Bridges

River RD over Bird Creek 036

Fair

Cascade County, Montana · 5M NE Cascade · Structure no. L07411013+04001

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
75 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2025 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

River RD over Bird Creek 036 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying River RD over Bird Creek 036 in Cascade County, Montana. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1981, so it is 85 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 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 100 by 2040. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRiver RD
CrossesBird Creek 036
Location5M NE Cascade
RouteCounty Highway 7411
CountyCascade County
StateMontana
Coordinates47.29187, -111.62454
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.4 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 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 closed21.1 mi (34 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$119,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was River RD over Bird Creek 036 built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is River RD over Bird Creek 036 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 River RD over Bird Creek 036 carry?

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

How long is River RD over Bird Creek 036?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.4 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns River RD over Bird Creek 036?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.