US Bridges

US 191 FH 45 over Cougar Creek

Fair

Gallatin County, Montana · 7M N West Yellowstone · Structure no. P00050007+05621

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,139
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 191 FH 45 over Cougar Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying US 191 FH 45 over Cougar Creek in Gallatin County, Montana. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 61 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 3,139 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,296 by 2043. The structure is 37 ft (11.4 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 52.8 mi (85 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 191 FH 45
CrossesCougar Creek
Location7M N West Yellowstone
RouteU.S. Route 287
CountyGallatin County
StateMontana
Coordinates44.7701, -111.11333
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length37 ft (11.4 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width36 ft (10.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,139 (2023)
Projected traffic3,296 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed52.8 mi (85 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 191 FH 45 over Cougar Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is US 191 FH 45 over Cougar 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 191 FH 45 over Cougar Creek carry?

About 3,139 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 191 FH 45 over Cougar Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.4 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns US 191 FH 45 over Cougar Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.