US Bridges

S 294 over Sawmill Creek

Fair

Meagher County, Montana · 15M SW Martinsdale · Structure no. S00294013+04001

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
51 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
199
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 294 over Sawmill Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S 294 over Sawmill Creek in Meagher County, Montana. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 199 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 221 by 2043. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 78.3 mi (126 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS 294
CrossesSawmill Creek
Location15M SW Martinsdale
RouteState Highway 294
CountyMeagher County
StateMontana
Coordinates46.39534, -110.59862
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic199 (2023)
Projected traffic221 by 2043
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed78.3 mi (126 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 294 over Sawmill Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is S 294 over Sawmill Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does S 294 over Sawmill Creek carry?

About 199 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is S 294 over Sawmill Creek?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns S 294 over Sawmill Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.