US Bridges

S 253 over Redwater River

PoorPosted for load

McCone County, Montana · NW Brockway · Structure no. S00253046+06031

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
152 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
420
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 253 over Redwater River is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S 253 over Redwater River in McCone 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 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 420 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 449 by 2043. The structure is 152 ft (46.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS 253
CrossesRedwater River
LocationNW Brockway
RouteState Highway 253
CountyMcCone County
StateMontana
Coordinates47.30517, -105.76761
Functional classRural Major Collector

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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating42 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length152 ft (46.2 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic420 (2023)
Projected traffic449 by 2043
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.7 mi (72 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 253 over Redwater River built?

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

What condition is S 253 over Redwater 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does S 253 over Redwater River carry?

About 420 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is S 253 over Redwater River?

The structure is 152 ft (46.2 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns S 253 over Redwater River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.