US Bridges

Inside North Fork over Ford Creek

Fair

Flathead County, Montana · 2 Mi. N of Jct. Hwy. 2 & · Structure no. 1430025P0000000

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2017 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Inside North Fork over Ford Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying Inside North Fork over Ford Creek in Flathead County, Montana. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 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 50 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 100 by 2037. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesInside North Fork
CrossesFord Creek
Location2 Mi. N of Jct. Hwy. 2 &
RouteFederal Lands Road 15403
CountyFlathead County
StateMontana
Coordinates48.87417, -114.36028
Functional classRural Local

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 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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2017)
Projected traffic100 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$33,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Inside North Fork over Ford Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Inside North Fork over Ford 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Inside North Fork over Ford Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Inside North Fork over Ford Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Inside North Fork over Ford Creek?

It is owned by the National Park Service.