US Bridges

W Fk Clearwater RD over Clearwater River

Fair

Missoula County, Montana · W Fk Clearwater Riv · Structure no. 011606000000110

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

W Fk Clearwater RD over Clearwater River is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying W Fk Clearwater RD over Clearwater River in Missoula County, Montana. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2045. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesW Fk Clearwater RD
CrossesClearwater River
LocationW Fk Clearwater Riv
RouteFederal Lands Road 552
CountyMissoula County
StateMontana
Coordinates47.30116, -113.57762
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 rating33.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (—)
Projected traffic60 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 Fk Clearwater RD over Clearwater River built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is W Fk Clearwater RD over Clearwater River 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 June 2021.

How much traffic does W Fk Clearwater RD over Clearwater River carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is W Fk Clearwater RD over Clearwater River?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns W Fk Clearwater RD over Clearwater River?

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