US Bridges

US 191 FH 42 over Gallatin River

Fair

Gallatin County, Montana · 4M NE Big Sky · Structure no. P00050049+08111

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
160 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,952
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 191 FH 42 over Gallatin River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying US 191 FH 42 over Gallatin River in Gallatin County, Montana. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 8,952 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,519 by 2043. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 110 mi (177 km).

CarriesUS 191 FH 42
CrossesGallatin River
Location4M NE Big Sky
RouteU.S. Route 191
StateMontana
Coordinates45.28187, -111.22561
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating38 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,952 (2023)
Projected traffic10,519 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed110 mi (177 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$476,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 191 FH 42 over Gallatin River built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 191 FH 42 over 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 January 2025.

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

About 8,952 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 191 FH 42 over Gallatin River?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 191 FH 42 over Gallatin River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.