US Bridges

York RD over Prickly Pear Creek

Fair

Lewis and Clark County, Montana · 2M NE Helena · Structure no. S00280000+03441

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
34 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,170
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

York RD over Prickly Pear Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying York RD over Prickly Pear Creek in Lewis and Clark County, Montana. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 84 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 5 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 6,170 vehicles a day, projected to reach 6,509 by 2043. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesYork RD
CrossesPrickly Pear Creek
Location2M NE Helena
RouteState Highway 280
CountyLewis and Clark County
StateMontana
Coordinates46.62852, -111.97247
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,170 (2023)
Projected traffic6,509 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$174,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was York RD over Prickly Pear Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is York RD over Prickly Pear 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does York RD over Prickly Pear Creek carry?

About 6,170 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is York RD over Prickly Pear Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns York RD over Prickly Pear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.