US Bridges

Road 15 N over Sage Creek 035

Fair

Hill County, Montana · 24M N Joplin · Structure no. L21122003+01001

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2025 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Road 15 N over Sage Creek 035 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Road 15 N over Sage Creek 035 in Hill 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 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 100 by 2040. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoad 15 N
CrossesSage Creek 035
Location24M N Joplin
RouteCounty Highway 21122
CountyHill County
StateMontana
Coordinates48.87089, -110.73743
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2025)
Projected traffic100 by 2040
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Road 15 N over Sage Creek 035 built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is Road 15 N over Sage Creek 035 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Road 15 N over Sage Creek 035 carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Road 15 N over Sage Creek 035?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Road 15 N over Sage Creek 035?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.