US Bridges

Road 261 over Bad Route Creek 044

Fair

Dawson County, Montana · 21M SW Glendive · Structure no. L11109020+03001

Built
1921
104 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
98 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
80
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Road 261 over Bad Route Creek 044 is a concrete slab carrying Road 261 over Bad Route Creek 044 in Dawson County, Montana. It was built in 1921, so it is 104 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 80 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 84 by 2043. The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoad 261
CrossesBad Route Creek 044
Location21M SW Glendive
RouteCounty Highway 11109
CountyDawson County
StateMontana
Coordinates46.88972, -105.00994
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
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 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 rating30 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length98 ft (29.9 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic80 (2023)
Projected traffic84 by 2043
Trucks3%
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 Bad Route Creek 044 built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025.

What condition is Road 261 over Bad Route 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Road 261 over Bad Route Creek 044 carry?

About 80 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Road 261 over Bad Route Creek 044?

The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Road 261 over Bad Route Creek 044?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.