US Bridges

Going-To-The-Sun R over Mcdonald Creek

Fair

Flathead County, Montana · 17.6 Miles Northeast of U · Structure no. 1430051P0000000

Built
1926
99 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,230
2017 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Going-To-The-Sun R over Mcdonald Creek is a masonry arch - deck carrying Going-To-The-Sun R over Mcdonald Creek in Flathead County, Montana. It was built in 1926, so it is 99 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 5 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 1,230 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,476 by 2037. The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesGoing-To-The-Sun R
CrossesMcdonald Creek
Location17.6 Miles Northeast of U
RouteFederal Lands Road 18200
CountyFlathead County
StateMontana
Coordinates48.69564, -113.81689
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
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length22 ft (6.6 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,230 (2017)
Projected traffic1,476 by 2037
Trucks—
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$30,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025.

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

About 1,230 vehicles per day (2017 count).

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

The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

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

It is owned by the National Park Service.