US Bridges

Central Ave W over Sun River 056

Good

Cascade County, Montana · Great Falls · Structure no. L07877000+04001

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
220 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,390
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Central Ave W over Sun River 056 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Central Ave W over Sun River 056 in Cascade County, Montana. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger than the Montana average of 47 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,390 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,460 by 2043. The structure is 220 ft (67.1 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCentral Ave W
CrossesSun River 056
LocationGreat Falls
RouteCounty Highway 5240
CountyCascade County
StateMontana
Coordinates47.50826, -111.38206
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
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 rating26 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length220 ft (67.1 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,390 (2023)
Projected traffic1,460 by 2043
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Central Ave W over Sun River 056 built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Central Ave W over Sun River 056 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does Central Ave W over Sun River 056 carry?

About 1,390 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Central Ave W over Sun River 056?

The structure is 220 ft (67.1 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Central Ave W over Sun River 056?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.