US Bridges

US 287 over Jefferson River

Fair

Jefferson County, Montana · 10M SW Three Forks · Structure no. P00013083+00441

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
347 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,227
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 287 over Jefferson River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 287 over Jefferson River in Jefferson County, Montana. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 years old, younger 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 1,227 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,288 by 2043. The structure is 347 ft (105.9 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 52.2 mi (84 km).

CarriesUS 287
CrossesJefferson River
Location10M SW Three Forks
RouteU.S. Route 287
StateMontana
Coordinates45.80367, -111.75161
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length347 ft (105.9 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.6 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,227 (2023)
Projected traffic1,288 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed52.2 mi (84 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 US 287 over Jefferson River built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 287 over Jefferson River 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 287 over Jefferson River carry?

About 1,227 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US 287 over Jefferson River?

The structure is 347 ft (105.9 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.6 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 287 over Jefferson River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.