US Bridges

Whale Creek Road over Whale Creek

Poor

Flathead County, Montana · 1 MI SW Ninko Cabin · Structure no. 011007000000048

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
61 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
1992 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

Whale Creek Road over Whale Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Whale Creek Road over Whale Creek in Flathead County, Montana. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 years old, older than the Montana average of 47 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2045. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWhale Creek Road
CrossesWhale Creek
Location1 MI SW Ninko Cabin
RouteFederal Lands Road 318
CountyFlathead County
StateMontana
Coordinates48.85117, -114.59582
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31.7 US tons
Inventory rating24.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.7 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (1992)
Projected traffic15 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Whale Creek Road over Whale Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is Whale Creek Road over Whale Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does Whale Creek Road over Whale Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (1992 count).

How long is Whale Creek Road over Whale Creek?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Whale Creek Road over Whale Creek?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.