US Bridges

S 65 over Middle Fk Flathead River

Fair

Flathead County, Montana · West Glacier · Structure no. P00065000+02641

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
439 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,658
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 65 over Middle Fk Flathead River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S 65 over Middle Fk Flathead River in Flathead County, Montana. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 5,658 vehicles a day, projected to reach 6,139 by 2043. The structure is 439 ft (133.8 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS 65
CrossesMiddle Fk Flathead River
LocationWest Glacier
RouteState Highway 65
CountyFlathead County
StateMontana
Coordinates48.49784, -113.9849
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 rating32 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length439 ft (133.8 m)
Longest span167 ft (50.9 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,658 (2023)
Projected traffic6,139 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S 65 over Middle Fk Flathead River built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is S 65 over Middle Fk Flathead River 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 S 65 over Middle Fk Flathead River carry?

About 5,658 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is S 65 over Middle Fk Flathead River?

The structure is 439 ft (133.8 m) long with a longest span of 167 ft (50.9 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns S 65 over Middle Fk Flathead River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.