US Bridges

IRR - US 87 over Big Sandy Creek

Good

Chouteau County, Montana · 3M N Big Sandy · Structure no. P00010082+09131

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,694
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IRR - US 87 over Big Sandy Creek is a concrete culvert carrying IRR - US 87 over Big Sandy Creek in Chouteau County, Montana. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 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 8 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 (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesIRR - US 87
CrossesBig Sandy Creek
Location3M N Big Sandy
RouteU.S. Route 87
StateMontana
Coordinates48.219, -110.07484
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.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 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 Big Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is IRR - US 87 over Big Sandy Creek 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does IRR - US 87 over Big Sandy Creek carry?

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

How long is IRR - US 87 over Big Sandy Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m).

Who owns IRR - US 87 over Big Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.