US Bridges

NFSR #487 over S Fk Judith River

Poor

Judith Basin County, Montana · 19 Mi. SW of Utica · Structure no. 011504000000024

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
65
2001 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

NFSR #487 over S Fk Judith River is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NFSR #487 over S Fk Judith River in Judith Basin County, Montana. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 years old, older than the Montana average of 47 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 65 vehicles a day, projected to reach 97 by 2045. The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNFSR #487
CrossesS Fk Judith River
Location19 Mi. SW of Utica
RouteFederal Lands Road 487
CountyJudith Basin County
StateMontana
Coordinates46.78746, -110.30071
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating28.9 US tons
Inventory rating22.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length28 ft (8.6 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.7 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic65 (2001)
Projected traffic97 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NFSR #487 over S Fk Judith River built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is NFSR #487 over S Fk Judith River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does NFSR #487 over S Fk Judith River carry?

About 65 vehicles per day (2001 count).

How long is NFSR #487 over S Fk Judith River?

The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns NFSR #487 over S Fk Judith River?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.