US Bridges

US 191 FH 42 over West Gallatin River

Fair

Gallatin County, Montana · 17M SE Big Sky · Structure no. P00050032+07581

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
122 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,325
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 191 FH 42 over West Gallatin River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying US 191 FH 42 over West Gallatin River in Gallatin County, Montana. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 2,325 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,441 by 2043. The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesUS 191 FH 42
CrossesWest Gallatin River
Location17M SE Big Sky
RouteU.S. Route 191
StateMontana
Coordinates45.06512, -111.18251
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating42 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckOther
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length122 ft (37.2 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,325 (2023)
Projected traffic2,441 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 191 FH 42 over West Gallatin River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 191 FH 42 over West Gallatin 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 191 FH 42 over West Gallatin River carry?

About 2,325 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 191 FH 42 over West Gallatin River?

The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 191 FH 42 over West Gallatin River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.