US Bridges

Sawpit over Ninemile CR

Fair

Missoula County, Montana · Sawpit · Structure no. 011604000000143

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

Sawpit over Ninemile CR is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sawpit over Ninemile CR in Missoula County, Montana. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 32 ft (9.9 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSawpit
CrossesNinemile CR
LocationSawpit
RouteFederal Lands Road 5520
CountyMissoula County
StateMontana
Coordinates47.22838, -114.66909
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.4 US tons
Inventory rating27.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.9 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 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 Sawpit over Ninemile CR built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sawpit 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 Sawpit over Ninemile CR carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is Sawpit over Ninemile CR?

The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Sawpit over Ninemile CR?

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