US Bridges

US 87 over Elk Creek

Fair

Fergus County, Montana · 5M SE Grass Range · Structure no. P00061038+04561

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
57 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
930
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 87 over Elk Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 87 over Elk Creek in Fergus County, Montana. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 930 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 977 by 2043. The structure is 57 ft (17.5 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesUS 87
CrossesElk Creek
Location5M SE Grass Range
RouteU.S. Route 87
StateMontana
Coordinates46.95303, -108.74991
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length57 ft (17.5 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic930 (2023)
Projected traffic977 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US 87 over Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 87 over Elk 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 87 over Elk Creek carry?

About 930 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 87 over Elk Creek?

The structure is 57 ft (17.5 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US 87 over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.