US Bridges

Elk Meadows RD over Lolo CR

Fair

Missoula County, Montana · Elk Meadows · Structure no. 011603000000090

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
47 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

Elk Meadows RD over Lolo CR is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Elk Meadows RD over Lolo CR in Missoula County, Montana. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 5 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2045. The structure is 47 ft (14.2 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

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CarriesElk Meadows RD
CrossesLolo CR
LocationElk Meadows
RouteFederal Lands Road 451
CountyMissoula County
StateMontana
Coordinates46.76389, -114.27752
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating40.3 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length47 ft (14.2 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.3 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 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 Elk Meadows RD over Lolo CR built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Elk Meadows RD over Lolo CR 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Elk Meadows RD over Lolo CR carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is Elk Meadows RD over Lolo CR?

The structure is 47 ft (14.2 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Elk Meadows RD over Lolo CR?

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