US Bridges

S 223 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Liberty County, Montana · 6M S Chester · Structure no. S00223046+06001

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
36 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
409
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 223 over Cottonwood Creek is a steel culvert carrying S 223 over Cottonwood Creek in Liberty County, Montana. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 409 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 429 by 2043. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 70.2 mi (113 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS 223
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location6M S Chester
RouteState Highway 223
CountyLiberty County
StateMontana
Coordinates48.42118, -110.97261
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 inspectionMarch 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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic409 (2023)
Projected traffic429 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed70.2 mi (113 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S 223 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is S 223 over Cottonwood 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does S 223 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 409 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is S 223 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m).

Who owns S 223 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.