US Bridges

Glacier Institute over Mcdonald Creek

Good

Flathead County, Montana · Approximately 1.2 Miles N · Structure no. 1430010S0000000

Built
2000
25 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
193 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
75
2017 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Glacier Institute over Mcdonald Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Glacier Institute over Mcdonald Creek in Flathead County, Montana. It was built in 2000, so it is 25 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 75 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 150 by 2037. The structure is 193 ft (58.7 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesGlacier Institute
CrossesMcdonald Creek
LocationApproximately 1.2 Miles N
RouteFederal Lands Road 10
CountyFlathead County
StateMontana
Coordinates48.50825, -114.00561
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating59 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length193 ft (58.7 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.4 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic75 (2017)
Projected traffic150 by 2037
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerNational Park Service
Maintained byNational Park Service
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$12,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Glacier Institute over Mcdonald Creek built?

It was built in 2000, making it 25 years old in 2025.

What condition is Glacier Institute over Mcdonald 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Glacier Institute over Mcdonald Creek carry?

About 75 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Glacier Institute over Mcdonald Creek?

The structure is 193 ft (58.7 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.4 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Glacier Institute over Mcdonald Creek?

It is owned by the National Park Service.