US Bridges

Road 261 over Crackerbox Creek 043

Poor

Dawson County, Montana · 16M SW Glendive · Structure no. L11109016+04001

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
75 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
21
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Road 261 over Crackerbox Creek 043 is a steel culvert carrying Road 261 over Crackerbox Creek 043 in Dawson County, Montana. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 years old, younger than the Montana average of 47 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 21 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 22 by 2043. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoad 261
CrossesCrackerbox Creek 043
Location16M SW Glendive
RouteCounty Highway 11109
CountyDawson County
StateMontana
Coordinates46.92426, -104.93507
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21 (2023)
Projected traffic22 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Road 261 over Crackerbox Creek 043 built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is Road 261 over Crackerbox Creek 043 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2023.

How much traffic does Road 261 over Crackerbox Creek 043 carry?

About 21 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Road 261 over Crackerbox Creek 043?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns Road 261 over Crackerbox Creek 043?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.