US Bridges

I 15 over Wolf Creek

Fair

Lewis and Clark County, Montana · Wolf Creek · Structure no. I00015226+03131

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
34 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,109
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 15 over Wolf Creek is a steel culvert carrying I 15 over Wolf Creek in Lewis and Clark County, Montana. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 5,109 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,543 by 2043. The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long.

CarriesI 15
CrossesWolf Creek
LocationWolf Creek
RouteInterstate 15
StateMontana
Coordinates47.00562, -112.07979
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length34 ft (10.3 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,109 (2023)
Projected traffic5,543 by 2043
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 I 15 over Wolf Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 15 over Wolf 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does I 15 over Wolf Creek carry?

About 5,109 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is I 15 over Wolf Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns I 15 over Wolf Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.