US Bridges

California Ave over Kootenai River

Fair

Lincoln County, Montana · Libby-California Ave · Structure no. P00033000+07121

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
698 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,674
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

California Ave over Kootenai River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying California Ave over Kootenai River in Lincoln County, Montana. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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.

It carries about 5,674 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,958 by 2043. The structure is 698 ft (212.7 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCalifornia Ave
CrossesKootenai River
LocationLibby-California Ave
RouteState Highway 37
CountyLincoln County
StateMontana
Coordinates48.39706, -115.54789
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length698 ft (212.7 m)
Longest span180 ft (54.9 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,674 (2023)
Projected traffic5,958 by 2043
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was California Ave over Kootenai River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is California Ave over Kootenai 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does California Ave over Kootenai River carry?

About 5,674 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is California Ave over Kootenai River?

The structure is 698 ft (212.7 m) long with a longest span of 180 ft (54.9 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns California Ave over Kootenai River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.