US Bridges

IRR - US 2 over Snowslide Gulch

Fair

Flathead County, Montana · 1M SE Essex · Structure no. P00001182+04861

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
226 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,025
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IRR - US 2 over Snowslide Gulch is a prestressed concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying IRR - US 2 over Snowslide Gulch in Flathead County, Montana. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 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 2,025 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,126 by 2043. The structure is 226 ft (68.9 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIRR - US 2
CrossesSnowslide Gulch
Location1M SE Essex
RouteU.S. Route 2
CountyFlathead County
StateMontana
Coordinates48.26034, -113.57524
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating23 US tons
Inventory rating14 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length226 ft (68.9 m)
Longest span170 ft (51.8 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,025 (2023)
Projected traffic2,126 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was IRR - US 2 over Snowslide Gulch built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is IRR - US 2 over Snowslide Gulch 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 2024.

How much traffic does IRR - US 2 over Snowslide Gulch carry?

About 2,025 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is IRR - US 2 over Snowslide Gulch?

The structure is 226 ft (68.9 m) long with a longest span of 170 ft (51.8 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns IRR - US 2 over Snowslide Gulch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.