US Bridges

Going-To-The-Sun R over Haystack Creek

Fair

Flathead County, Montana · 28 Mi. N. of Jct. Hwy. 2 · Structure no. 1430041P0000000

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,942
2022 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Going-To-The-Sun R over Haystack Creek is a concrete slab carrying Going-To-The-Sun R over Haystack Creek in Flathead County, Montana. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 1,942 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,330 by 2042. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesGoing-To-The-Sun R
CrossesHaystack Creek
Location28 Mi. N. of Jct. Hwy. 2
RouteFederal Lands Road 15400
CountyFlathead County
StateMontana
Coordinates48.73872, -113.74517
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45.1 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,942 (2022)
Projected traffic2,330 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Going-To-The-Sun R over Haystack Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is Going-To-The-Sun R over Haystack 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 Going-To-The-Sun R over Haystack Creek carry?

About 1,942 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Going-To-The-Sun R over Haystack Creek?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Going-To-The-Sun R over Haystack Creek?

It is owned by the National Park Service.