US Bridges

Valentine RD over Blood Creek 131

Fair

Fergus County, Montana · 4M NW Valentine · Structure no. L14201013+09001

Built
1980
45 years old, rebuilt 2022
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2025 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Valentine RD over Blood Creek 131 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Valentine RD over Blood Creek 131 in Fergus County, Montana. It was built in 1980 and reconstructed in 2022, so it is 45 years old, younger 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 6 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 100 by 2040. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 62.8 mi (101 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesValentine RD
CrossesBlood Creek 131
Location4M NW Valentine
RouteCounty Highway 14201
CountyFergus County
StateMontana
Coordinates47.34378, -108.51482
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 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 rating28.2 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2025)
Projected traffic100 by 2040
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed62.8 mi (101 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$71,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Valentine RD over Blood Creek 131 built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2022.

What condition is Valentine RD over Blood Creek 131 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 Valentine RD over Blood Creek 131 carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Valentine RD over Blood Creek 131?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Valentine RD over Blood Creek 131?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.