US Bridges

Skunk Creek Road over Brackett Creek

Fair

Gallatin County, Montana · Bangtails - N.Of Bozeman · Structure no. 011106000000101

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

Skunk Creek Road over Brackett Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Skunk Creek Road over Brackett Creek in Gallatin County, Montana. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2045. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSkunk Creek Road
CrossesBrackett Creek
LocationBangtails - N.Of Bozeman
RouteFederal Lands Road 974
CountyGallatin County
StateMontana
Coordinates45.86433, -110.80841
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating42.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.5 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (—)
Projected traffic75 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Skunk Creek Road over Brackett Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Skunk Creek Road over Brackett 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Skunk Creek Road over Brackett Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is Skunk Creek Road over Brackett Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Skunk Creek Road over Brackett Creek?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.