US Bridges

S 37 FH 57 over Tobacco River

Poor

Lincoln County, Montana · 2M E Rexford · Structure no. P00033063+09451

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
306 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,699
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 37 FH 57 over Tobacco River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S 37 FH 57 over Tobacco River in Lincoln County, Montana. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 years old, older than the Montana average of 47 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,699 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,945 by 2043. The structure is 306 ft (93.2 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesS 37 FH 57
CrossesTobacco River
Location2M E Rexford
RouteState Highway 37
StateMontana
Coordinates48.89602, -115.1155
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length306 ft (93.2 m)
Longest span101 ft (30.8 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,699 (2023)
Projected traffic1,945 by 2043
Trucks2%
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 S 37 FH 57 over Tobacco River built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is S 37 FH 57 over Tobacco River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does S 37 FH 57 over Tobacco River carry?

About 1,699 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is S 37 FH 57 over Tobacco River?

The structure is 306 ft (93.2 m) long with a longest span of 101 ft (30.8 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns S 37 FH 57 over Tobacco River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.