US Bridges

US 287 over Madison River

Fair

Gallatin County, Montana · 3M N West Yellowstone · Structure no. P00050003+07221

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
138 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,098
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 287 over Madison River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 287 over Madison River in Gallatin County, Montana. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 4,098 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,303 by 2043. The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

CarriesUS 287
CrossesMadison River
Location3M N West Yellowstone
RouteU.S. Route 287
StateMontana
Coordinates44.71559, -111.10291
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.9 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length138 ft (42.1 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,098 (2023)
Projected traffic4,303 by 2043
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.7 mi (72 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 287 over Madison River built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 287 over Madison 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US 287 over Madison River carry?

About 4,098 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 287 over Madison River?

The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 287 over Madison River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.