US Bridges

Steep CR Road over S F Big CR

Fair

Lincoln County, Montana · Sf Big CR · Structure no. 011401000000134

Built
1979
46 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

Steep CR Road over S F Big CR is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Steep CR Road over S F Big CR in Lincoln County, Montana. It was built in 1979 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 46 years old, younger 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2045. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSteep CR Road
CrossesS F Big CR
LocationSf Big CR
RouteFederal Lands Road 255
CountyLincoln County
StateMontana
Coordinates48.6626, -115.52306
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating42.9 US tons
Inventory rating33.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 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 closed24.9 mi (40 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Steep CR Road over S F Big CR built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is Steep CR Road over S F Big CR 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Steep CR Road over S F Big CR carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is Steep CR Road over S F Big CR?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Steep CR Road over S F Big CR?

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