US Bridges

S 248 over Poplar River

Fair

Daniels County, Montana · 2M W Scobey · Structure no. S00248043+03531

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
278 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
392
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 248 over Poplar River is a steel truss - thru carrying S 248 over Poplar River in Daniels County, Montana. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 85 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 392 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 412 by 2043. The structure is 278 ft (84.6 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
CrossesPoplar River
Location2M W Scobey
RouteState Highway 248
CountyDaniels County
StateMontana
Coordinates48.79996, -105.4815
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating33 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+5 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length278 ft (84.6 m)
Longest span108 ft (32.9 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic392 (2023)
Projected traffic412 by 2043
Trucks11%
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 Poplar River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is S 248 over Poplar River 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 2023.

How much traffic does S 248 over Poplar River carry?

About 392 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is S 248 over Poplar River?

The structure is 278 ft (84.6 m) long with a longest span of 108 ft (32.9 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns S 248 over Poplar River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.