S 543 over Vail Creek
PoorGarfield County, Montana · 2M N Jordan · Structure no. S00543002+07001
- Built
- 1976
- 49 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected September 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Wood or Timber
- Length
- 48 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 77
- 2023 count
- Owner
- County
- County Highway Agency
About this bridge
S 543 over Vail Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S 543 over Vail Creek in Garfield County, Montana. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 years old, older than the Montana average of 47 years.
The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
It carries about 77 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 81 by 2043. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.1 mi (42 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was S 543 over Vail Creek built?
It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.
What condition is S 543 over Vail Creek in?
The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.
How much traffic does S 543 over Vail Creek carry?
About 77 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.
How long is S 543 over Vail Creek?
The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.
Who owns S 543 over Vail Creek?
It is owned by the County Highway Agency.