US Bridges

Moon Creek RD over Cottonwood Creek 044

Fair

Custer County, Montana · 13M SW Miles City · Structure no. L09201003+07001

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
82
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Moon Creek RD over Cottonwood Creek 044 is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Moon Creek RD over Cottonwood Creek 044 in Custer County, Montana. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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 82 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 87 by 2043. The structure is 27 ft (8.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 75.2 mi (121 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMoon Creek RD
CrossesCottonwood Creek 044
Location13M SW Miles City
RouteCounty Highway 9201
CountyCuster County
StateMontana
Coordinates46.25674, -106.03544
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.2 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.1 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic82 (2023)
Projected traffic87 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed75.2 mi (121 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Moon Creek RD over Cottonwood Creek 044 built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is Moon Creek RD over Cottonwood Creek 044 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Moon Creek RD over Cottonwood Creek 044 carry?

About 82 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Moon Creek RD over Cottonwood Creek 044?

The structure is 27 ft (8.1 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Moon Creek RD over Cottonwood Creek 044?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.