US Bridges

Old US 91 over Novak Creek 005

Fair

Cascade County, Montana · 12M S Cascade · Structure no. L07604005+00001

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
44 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
316
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old US 91 over Novak Creek 005 is a concrete tee beam carrying Old US 91 over Novak Creek 005 in Cascade County, Montana. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 316 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 332 by 2043. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld US 91
CrossesNovak Creek 005
Location12M S Cascade
RouteState Highway 81003
CountyCascade County
StateMontana
Coordinates47.1534, -111.83361
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionDecember 2024
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic316 (2023)
Projected traffic332 by 2043
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$73,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old US 91 over Novak Creek 005 built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old US 91 over Novak Creek 005 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Old US 91 over Novak Creek 005 carry?

About 316 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Old US 91 over Novak Creek 005?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Old US 91 over Novak Creek 005?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.