US Bridges

NFSR 235 over Ford Cr.

GoodPosted for load

Lewis and Clark County, Montana · Ford CR · Structure no. 011501000000063

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

NFSR 235 over Ford Cr. is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NFSR 235 over Ford Cr. in Lewis and Clark County, Montana. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2045. The structure is 50 ft (15.1 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

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CarriesNFSR 235
CrossesFord Cr.
LocationFord CR
RouteFederal Lands Road 235
CountyLewis and Clark County
StateMontana
Coordinates47.40506, -112.75304
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating21.4 US tons
Inventory rating16.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length50 ft (15.1 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.8 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 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 235 over Ford Cr. built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is NFSR 235 over Ford Cr. 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does NFSR 235 over Ford Cr. carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is NFSR 235 over Ford Cr.?

The structure is 50 ft (15.1 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns NFSR 235 over Ford Cr.?

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