US Bridges

Vukonich LN over Grave Creek 007

FairPosted for load

Lincoln County, Montana · 4M N Fortine · Structure no. L27148000+03001

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2025 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Vukonich LN over Grave Creek 007 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Vukonich LN over Grave Creek 007 in Lincoln County, Montana. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 5 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: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 100 by 2040. The structure is 60 ft (18.4 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesVukonich LN
CrossesGrave Creek 007
Location4M N Fortine
RouteCounty Highway 27247
StateMontana
Coordinates48.80965, -114.89996
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating5 US tons
Inventory rating5 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckSteel plate
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length60 ft (18.4 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.4 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.5 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2025)
Projected traffic100 by 2040
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$147,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Vukonich LN over Grave Creek 007 built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Vukonich LN over Grave Creek 007 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Vukonich LN over Grave Creek 007 carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Vukonich LN over Grave Creek 007?

The structure is 60 ft (18.4 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.4 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Vukonich LN over Grave Creek 007?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.