US Bridges

RD 343-2 over S Fk Fish Creek

Poor

Mineral County, Montana · Fish CR Lolo CR · Structure no. 011604000000055

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

RD 343-2 over S Fk Fish Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RD 343-2 over S Fk Fish Creek in Mineral County, Montana. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2045. The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRD 343-2
CrossesS Fk Fish Creek
LocationFish CR Lolo CR
RouteFederal Lands Road 343
CountyMineral County
StateMontana
Coordinates46.87449, -114.68738
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating26.5 US tons
Inventory rating20.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.3 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (—)
Projected traffic75 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RD 343-2 over S Fk Fish Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is RD 343-2 over S Fk Fish Creek 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does RD 343-2 over S Fk Fish Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is RD 343-2 over S Fk Fish Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns RD 343-2 over S Fk Fish Creek?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.