US Bridges

North Lake Mcdonal over Creek

Fair

Flathead County, Montana · 12.7 Miles Northeast of U · Structure no. 1430044S0000000

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2017 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

North Lake Mcdonal over Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying North Lake Mcdonal over Creek in Flathead County, Montana. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 years old, younger 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, projected to reach 75 by 2037. The structure is 28 ft (8.4 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNorth Lake Mcdonal
CrossesCreek
Location12.7 Miles Northeast of U
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountyFlathead County
StateMontana
Coordinates48.62831, -113.90233
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating74 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.4 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.5 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2017)
Projected traffic75 by 2037
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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$47,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was North Lake Mcdonal over Creek built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025.

What condition is North Lake Mcdonal over 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 North Lake Mcdonal over Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is North Lake Mcdonal over Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.4 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns North Lake Mcdonal over Creek?

It is owned by the National Park Service.