US Bridges

S 248 over Spring Coulee

Fair

Daniels County, Montana · 2M NW Richland · Structure no. S00248014+07251

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
45 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
154
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 248 over Spring Coulee is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S 248 over Spring Coulee in Daniels County, Montana. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 154 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 162 by 2043. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS 248
CrossesSpring Coulee
Location2M NW Richland
RouteState Highway 248
CountyDaniels County
StateMontana
Coordinates48.83706, -106.09008
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic154 (2023)
Projected traffic162 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 S 248 over Spring Coulee built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is S 248 over Spring Coulee 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does S 248 over Spring Coulee carry?

About 154 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is S 248 over Spring Coulee?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns S 248 over Spring Coulee?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.