US Bridges

Koocanusa W. Side over Big Creek

Good

Lincoln County, Montana · Big Creek · Structure no. 011401000001084

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
221 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
40
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

Koocanusa W. Side over Big Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Koocanusa W. Side over Big Creek in Lincoln County, Montana. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 years old, older than the Montana average of 47 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2045. The structure is 221 ft (67.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 74.6 mi (120 km).

CarriesKoocanusa W. Side
CrossesBig Creek
LocationBig Creek
RouteFederal Lands Road 228
StateMontana
Coordinates48.748, -115.353
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.9 US tons
Inventory rating39.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length221 ft (67.4 m)
Longest span76 ft (23.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (—)
Projected traffic60 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed74.6 mi (120 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Koocanusa W. Side over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Koocanusa W. Side over Big Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2021.

How much traffic does Koocanusa W. Side over Big Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is Koocanusa W. Side over Big Creek?

The structure is 221 ft (67.4 m) long with a longest span of 76 ft (23.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Koocanusa W. Side over Big Creek?

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