US Bridges

W.Side 9-MILE RD over Ninemile Cr.

Fair

Missoula County, Montana · W. Side Ninemile · Structure no. 011604000000142

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

W.Side 9-MILE RD over Ninemile Cr. is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying W.Side 9-MILE RD over Ninemile Cr. in Missoula County, Montana. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2045. The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

CarriesW.Side 9-MILE RD
CrossesNinemile Cr.
LocationW. Side Ninemile
RouteFederal Lands Road 5520
StateMontana
Coordinates47.2275, -114.66954
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.3 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.4 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.7 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 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 W.Side 9-MILE RD over Ninemile Cr. built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is W.Side 9-MILE RD over Ninemile 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 W.Side 9-MILE RD over Ninemile Cr. carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is W.Side 9-MILE RD over Ninemile Cr.?

The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns W.Side 9-MILE RD over Ninemile Cr.?

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