US Bridges

I 94 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Custer County, Montana · 21M NE Miles City · Structure no. I00094159+00131

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
156 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,232
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 94 over Cottonwood Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 94 over Cottonwood Creek in Custer County, Montana. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 2,232 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,343 by 2043. The structure is 156 ft (47.7 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 94
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location21M NE Miles City
RouteInterstate 94
CountyCuster County
StateMontana
Coordinates46.60835, -105.54668
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.1 US tons
Inventory rating44.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length156 ft (47.7 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,232 (2023)
Projected traffic2,343 by 2043
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I 94 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 94 over Cottonwood Creek 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does I 94 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 2,232 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is I 94 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 156 ft (47.7 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns I 94 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.