US Bridges

RD 278 over Bear CR

FairClosed to traffic

Lincoln County, Montana · Near JCT W/U. Bear Cr. · Structure no. 011405000000138

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

RD 278 over Bear CR is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RD 278 over Bear CR in Lincoln County, Montana. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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. Its operating status is: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2045. The structure is 36 ft (11.1 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRD 278
CrossesBear CR
LocationNear JCT W/U. Bear Cr.
RouteCounty Highway 278
CountyLincoln County
StateMontana
Coordinates48.18128, -115.57189
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 length36 ft (11.1 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.8 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 closed98.2 mi (158 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 RD 278 over Bear CR built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is RD 278 over Bear 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does RD 278 over Bear CR carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is RD 278 over Bear CR?

The structure is 36 ft (11.1 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns RD 278 over Bear CR?

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