US Bridges

US 87 over Otter Creek

Fair

Judith Basin County, Montana · 1M SE Raynesford · Structure no. P00057011+04001

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
37 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,361
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 87 over Otter Creek is a steel culvert carrying US 87 over Otter Creek in Judith Basin County, Montana. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 5 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 2,361 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,479 by 2043. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesUS 87
CrossesOtter Creek
Location1M SE Raynesford
RouteU.S. Route 87
StateMontana
Coordinates47.26551, -110.70561
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80 US tons
Inventory rating77.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,361 (2023)
Projected traffic2,479 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 87 over Otter Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 87 over Otter Creek 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does US 87 over Otter Creek carry?

About 2,361 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 87 over Otter Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US 87 over Otter Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.