US Bridges

Judy LN over Ruby River 026

FairPosted for load

Madison County, Montana · W of Alder · Structure no. L29174000+04001

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
52 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2025 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Judy LN over Ruby River 026 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Judy LN over Ruby River 026 in Madison County, Montana. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger 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 52 ft (15.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesJudy LN
CrossesRuby River 026
LocationW of Alder
RouteCounty Highway 29128
StateMontana
Coordinates45.31997, -112.11721
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating5 US tons
Inventory rating5 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length52 ft (15.9 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2025)
Projected traffic100 by 2040
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$72,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Judy LN over Ruby River 026 built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is Judy LN over Ruby River 026 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Judy LN over Ruby River 026 carry?

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

How long is Judy LN over Ruby River 026?

The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Judy LN over Ruby River 026?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.