US Bridges

S 83 FH 15 over Morrell Creek

Good

Missoula County, Montana · Seeley Lake · Structure no. P00083012+02031

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
76 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,758
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 83 FH 15 over Morrell Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S 83 FH 15 over Morrell Creek in Missoula County, Montana. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 years old, older than the Montana average of 47 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,758 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,896 by 2043. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS 83 FH 15
CrossesMorrell Creek
LocationSeeley Lake
RouteState Highway 83
CountyMissoula County
StateMontana
Coordinates47.1459, -113.46543
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,758 (2023)
Projected traffic2,896 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$321,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S 83 FH 15 over Morrell Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is S 83 FH 15 over Morrell Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does S 83 FH 15 over Morrell Creek carry?

About 2,758 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is S 83 FH 15 over Morrell Creek?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns S 83 FH 15 over Morrell Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.