US Bridges

System Road over Fatty Creek

Good

Lake County, Montana · Fatty Piper Connector · Structure no. 011001000015572

Built
2013
12 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
62 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2018 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

System Road over Fatty Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying System Road over Fatty Creek in Lake County, Montana. It was built in 2013, so it is 12 years old, younger than the Montana average of 47 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2045. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSystem Road
CrossesFatty Creek
LocationFatty Piper Connector
RouteFederal Lands Road 10381
CountyLake County
StateMontana
Coordinates47.69575, -113.87815
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.1 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2018)
Projected traffic60 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 System Road over Fatty Creek built?

It was built in 2013, making it 12 years old in 2025.

What condition is System Road over Fatty Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does System Road over Fatty Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is System Road over Fatty Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns System Road over Fatty Creek?

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