US Bridges

US 87 over Judith River

Fair

Judith Basin County, Montana · 1M N Hobson · Structure no. P00057058+02611

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
208 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,650
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 87 over Judith River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 87 over Judith River in Judith Basin County, Montana. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 2,650 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,783 by 2043. The structure is 208 ft (63.4 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesUS 87
CrossesJudith River
Location1M N Hobson
RouteU.S. Route 87
StateMontana
Coordinates47.01112, -109.87224
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating41 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length208 ft (63.4 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,650 (2023)
Projected traffic2,783 by 2043
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 Judith River built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 87 over Judith 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does US 87 over Judith River carry?

About 2,650 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US 87 over Judith River?

The structure is 208 ft (63.4 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 87 over Judith River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.