US Bridges

Gilbert Cr. RD over Rock Creek

Poor

Missoula County, Montana · Valley of the Moon · Structure no. 011603000000049

Built
1982
43 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Other
Steel
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

Gilbert Cr. RD over Rock Creek is a steel other carrying Gilbert Cr. RD over Rock Creek in Missoula County, Montana. It was built in 1982 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 43 years old, younger 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 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesGilbert Cr. RD
CrossesRock Creek
LocationValley of the Moon
RouteFederal Lands Road 34
CountyMissoula County
StateMontana
Coordinates46.69734, -113.66975
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation*: *
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 rating—
Inventory rating—

Structure

Structure typeOther
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.7 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 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 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 Gilbert Cr. RD over Rock Creek built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is Gilbert Cr. RD over Rock 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Gilbert Cr. RD over Rock Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is Gilbert Cr. RD over Rock Creek?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.7 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Gilbert Cr. RD over Rock Creek?

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