US Bridges

Old Yellowstone TR over Willow Creek

FairPosted for load

Gallatin County, Montana · 1M S Willow Creek · Structure no. S00287007+09001

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
133
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Yellowstone TR over Willow Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Old Yellowstone TR over Willow Creek in Gallatin County, Montana. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 133 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 140 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Yellowstone TR
CrossesWillow Creek
Location1M S Willow Creek
RouteState Highway 287
CountyGallatin County
StateMontana
Coordinates45.80934, -111.652
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating42 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic133 (2023)
Projected traffic140 by 2043
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Old Yellowstone TR over Willow Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old Yellowstone TR over Willow 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Old Yellowstone TR over Willow Creek carry?

About 133 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Old Yellowstone TR over Willow Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Old Yellowstone TR over Willow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.