US Bridges

NFSR #251 over Dry Wolf CR

Fair

Judith Basin County, Montana · 19 Mi. SW of Stanford · Structure no. 011504000000057

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

NFSR #251 over Dry Wolf CR is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NFSR #251 over Dry Wolf CR in Judith Basin County, Montana. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2045. The structure is 34 ft (10.3 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 #251
CrossesDry Wolf CR
Location19 Mi. SW of Stanford
RouteCounty Highway 251
CountyJudith Basin County
StateMontana
Coordinates46.99976, -110.51619
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating23.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length34 ft (10.3 m)
Longest span33 ft (10 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.6 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (—)
Projected traffic75 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 #251 over Dry Wolf CR built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is NFSR #251 over Dry Wolf CR 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 2024.

How much traffic does NFSR #251 over Dry Wolf CR carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is NFSR #251 over Dry Wolf CR?

The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns NFSR #251 over Dry Wolf CR?

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