US Bridges

RD 535 over Pl. Valley Fisher River

Good

Lincoln County, Montana · SW End of Loon Lake · Structure no. 011406000000263

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
100 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

RD 535 over Pl. Valley Fisher River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RD 535 over Pl. Valley 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 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 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

CarriesRD 535
CrossesPl. Valley Fisher River
LocationSW End of Loon Lake
RouteFederal Lands Road 535
StateMontana
Coordinates48.072, -115.20144
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation7: Better than 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 rating52.5 US tons
Inventory rating46.1 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadOther
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span98 ft (29.9 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.1 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (—)
Projected traffic60 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 byPrivate (other than railroad)
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 535 over Pl. Valley Fisher River built?

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

What condition is RD 535 over Pl. Valley Fisher River 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does RD 535 over Pl. Valley Fisher River carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is RD 535 over Pl. Valley Fisher River?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 98 ft (29.9 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns RD 535 over Pl. Valley Fisher River?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service and maintained by the Private (other than railroad).