US Bridges

RD 231 over W Fisher River

Fair

Lincoln County, Montana · 1 MI E Lake CR Campground · Structure no. 011405000000216

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
75 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

RD 231 over W Fisher River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RD 231 over W Fisher River in Lincoln County, Montana. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

CarriesRD 231
CrossesW Fisher River
Location1 MI E Lake CR Campground
RouteFederal Lands Road 231
StateMontana
Coordinates48.04213, -115.47344
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 inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.8 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.1 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 231 over W Fisher River built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is RD 231 over W Fisher River 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 231 over W Fisher River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is RD 231 over W Fisher River?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.8 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns RD 231 over W Fisher River?

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