US Bridges

Schaefer RD over Pablo Feeder Canal 086

Poor

Lake County, Montana · 4M SE Polson · Structure no. L24127000+03001

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2025 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Schaefer RD over Pablo Feeder Canal 086 is a steel culvert carrying Schaefer RD over Pablo Feeder Canal 086 in Lake County, Montana. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 100 by 2040. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSchaefer RD
CrossesPablo Feeder Canal 086
Location4M SE Polson
RouteCounty Highway 24226
CountyLake County
StateMontana
Coordinates47.66538, -114.11327
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (2.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2025)
Projected traffic100 by 2040
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$176,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Schaefer RD over Pablo Feeder Canal 086 built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Schaefer RD over Pablo Feeder Canal 086 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Schaefer RD over Pablo Feeder Canal 086 carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Schaefer RD over Pablo Feeder Canal 086?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (2.9 m).

Who owns Schaefer RD over Pablo Feeder Canal 086?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.