US Bridges

S Cruse Ave over Pedestrian Underpass

Poor

Lewis and Clark County, Montana · Helena-S Cruse Ave · Structure no. U05815000+05001

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
46 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,548
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

S Cruse Ave over Pedestrian Underpass is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying S Cruse Ave over Pedestrian Underpass in Lewis and Clark County, Montana. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 years old, older 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 1,548 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,625 by 2043. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 65 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesS Cruse Ave
CrossesPedestrian Underpass
LocationHelena-S Cruse Ave
RouteCity Street 5815
CountyLewis and Clark County
StateMontana
Coordinates46.58486, -112.04041
Functional classUrban Collector

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width65 ft (19.7 m)
Roadway width57 ft (17.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,548 (2023)
Projected traffic1,625 by 2043
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesPedestrian / bicycle
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was S Cruse Ave over Pedestrian Underpass built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is S Cruse Ave over Pedestrian Underpass 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does S Cruse Ave over Pedestrian Underpass carry?

About 1,548 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is S Cruse Ave over Pedestrian Underpass?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 65 ft wide.

Who owns S Cruse Ave over Pedestrian Underpass?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.