US Bridges

RD 18720 over Ward Creek

GoodPosted for load

Mineral County, Montana · Ward Creek · Structure no. 011607000001046

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
99 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
50
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

RD 18720 over Ward Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RD 18720 over Ward Creek in Mineral 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2045. The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long and 14 ft wide.

CarriesRD 18720
CrossesWard Creek
LocationWard Creek
RouteFederal Lands Road 18720
StateMontana
Coordinates47.32737, -115.25717
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating25 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length99 ft (30.2 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.5 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (—)
Projected traffic75 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 18720 over Ward Creek built?

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

What condition is RD 18720 over Ward Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does RD 18720 over Ward Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is RD 18720 over Ward Creek?

The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.5 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns RD 18720 over Ward Creek?

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