US Bridges

S 81 over Warm Spring Creek

Good

Fergus County, Montana · 12M SW Hilger · Structure no. P00081033+06051

Built
2008
17 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
158 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
377
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 81 over Warm Spring Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S 81 over Warm Spring Creek in Fergus County, Montana. It was built in 2008, so it is 17 years old, younger 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 377 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 396 by 2043. The structure is 158 ft (48.1 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesS 81
CrossesWarm Spring Creek
Location12M SW Hilger
RouteState Highway 81
StateMontana
Coordinates47.23271, -109.55842
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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length158 ft (48.1 m)
Longest span125 ft (38 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic377 (2023)
Projected traffic396 by 2043
Trucks8%
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 proposedReplacement because of relocation of road
Estimated improvement cost$254,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S 81 over Warm Spring Creek built?

It was built in 2008, making it 17 years old in 2025.

What condition is S 81 over Warm Spring 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does S 81 over Warm Spring Creek carry?

About 377 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is S 81 over Warm Spring Creek?

The structure is 158 ft (48.1 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns S 81 over Warm Spring Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.