US Bridges

S 43 over Lamarche Creek

Good

Deer Lodge County, Montana · 14M NW Wise River · Structure no. P00046050+02071

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
81 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
485
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 43 over Lamarche Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S 43 over Lamarche Creek in Deer Lodge County, Montana. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 years old, older than the Montana average of 47 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 485 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 509 by 2043. The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesS 43
CrossesLamarche Creek
Location14M NW Wise River
RouteState Highway 43
StateMontana
Coordinates45.87894, -113.19981
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length81 ft (24.7 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic485 (2023)
Projected traffic509 by 2043
Trucks7%
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 43 over Lamarche Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is S 43 over Lamarche Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does S 43 over Lamarche Creek carry?

About 485 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is S 43 over Lamarche Creek?

The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns S 43 over Lamarche Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.