US Bridges

S 528 over Prairie Elk Creek 021

Fair

McCone County, Montana · 10M SW Wolf Point · Structure no. L28206017+09001

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
139 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
76
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 528 over Prairie Elk Creek 021 is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying S 528 over Prairie Elk Creek 021 in McCone County, Montana. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 76 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 80 by 2043. The structure is 139 ft (42.5 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS 528
CrossesPrairie Elk Creek 021
Location10M SW Wolf Point
RouteCounty Highway 528
CountyMcCone County
StateMontana
Coordinates47.99917, -105.86725
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating52.9 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length139 ft (42.5 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic76 (2023)
Projected traffic80 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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$200,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S 528 over Prairie Elk Creek 021 built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is S 528 over Prairie Elk Creek 021 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does S 528 over Prairie Elk Creek 021 carry?

About 76 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is S 528 over Prairie Elk Creek 021?

The structure is 139 ft (42.5 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns S 528 over Prairie Elk Creek 021?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.