US Bridges

IRR - US 87 over School Section Coulee

Good

Chouteau County, Montana · 4M N Big Sandy · Structure no. 000000000008092

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,694
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IRR - US 87 over School Section Coulee is a steel culvert carrying IRR - US 87 over School Section Coulee in Chouteau County, Montana. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 years old, older 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 1,694 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,779 by 2043. The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long and 164 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesIRR - US 87
CrossesSchool Section Coulee
Location4M N Big Sandy
RouteU.S. Route 87
StateMontana
Coordinates48.24522, -110.05703
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.2 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width164 ft (50 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,694 (2023)
Projected traffic1,779 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 IRR - US 87 over School Section Coulee built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is IRR - US 87 over School Section Coulee 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does IRR - US 87 over School Section Coulee carry?

About 1,694 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is IRR - US 87 over School Section Coulee?

The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 164 ft wide.

Who owns IRR - US 87 over School Section Coulee?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.