US Bridges

S 200 over Bluff Creek

FairPosted for load

Dawson County, Montana · 14M SW Richey · Structure no. P00051013+04741

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
88 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
238
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 200 over Bluff Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S 200 over Bluff Creek in Dawson County, Montana. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 238 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 250 by 2043. The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesS 200
CrossesBluff Creek
Location14M SW Richey
RouteState Highway 200
CountyDawson County
StateMontana
Coordinates47.53158, -105.31539
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length88 ft (26.8 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic238 (2023)
Projected traffic250 by 2043
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 200 over Bluff Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is S 200 over Bluff Creek 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does S 200 over Bluff Creek carry?

About 238 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is S 200 over Bluff Creek?

The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns S 200 over Bluff Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.