US Bridges

S 359 over Jefferson River Slough

Fair

Jefferson County, Montana · Cardwell · Structure no. S00359001+03461

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
112 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,362
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 359 over Jefferson River Slough is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S 359 over Jefferson River Slough in Jefferson County, Montana. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 1,362 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,505 by 2043. The structure is 112 ft (34 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 36 mi (58 km).

CarriesS 359
CrossesJefferson River Slough
LocationCardwell
RouteState Highway 359
StateMontana
Coordinates45.86832, -111.9543
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 rating58 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length112 ft (34 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,362 (2023)
Projected traffic1,505 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed36 mi (58 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 S 359 over Jefferson River Slough built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is S 359 over Jefferson River Slough 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does S 359 over Jefferson River Slough carry?

About 1,362 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is S 359 over Jefferson River Slough?

The structure is 112 ft (34 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns S 359 over Jefferson River Slough?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.