US Bridges

Cataract Creek RD over Cataract Creek 048

Fair

Jefferson County, Montana · 3M N Basin · Structure no. L22015002+06001

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 2015
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2025 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cataract Creek RD over Cataract Creek 048 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cataract Creek RD over Cataract Creek 048 in Jefferson County, Montana. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 2015, so it is 86 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.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 100 by 2040. The structure is 48 ft (14.7 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCataract Creek RD
CrossesCataract Creek 048
Location3M N Basin
RouteCounty Highway 22015
CountyJefferson County
StateMontana
Coordinates46.30139, -112.254
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating51.8 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length48 ft (14.7 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 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 closed123.7 mi (199 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$54,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cataract Creek RD over Cataract Creek 048 built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2015.

What condition is Cataract Creek RD over Cataract Creek 048 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Cataract Creek RD over Cataract Creek 048 carry?

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

How long is Cataract Creek RD over Cataract Creek 048?

The structure is 48 ft (14.7 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Cataract Creek RD over Cataract Creek 048?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.