US 87 over Gravel Coulee
FairHill County, Montana · 9M NE Box Elder · Structure no. P00010099+06491
- Built
- 1954
- 71 years old, rebuilt 1985
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected October 2023
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Wood or Timber
- Length
- 95 ft
- 5 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 1,881
- 2023 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
US 87 over Gravel Coulee is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 87 over Gravel Coulee in Hill County, Montana. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 71 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 1,881 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,975 by 2043. The structure is 95 ft (29 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was US 87 over Gravel Coulee built?
It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.
What condition is US 87 over Gravel Coulee 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 October 2023.
How much traffic does US 87 over Gravel Coulee carry?
About 1,881 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.
How long is US 87 over Gravel Coulee?
The structure is 95 ft (29 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.
Who owns US 87 over Gravel Coulee?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.