US Bridges

S Higgins Ave over Clark Fork R-Ped Paths

Fair

Missoula County, Montana · Missoula-S Higgins Ave · Structure no. U08113000+02381

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 2022
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
974 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,197
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S Higgins Ave over Clark Fork R-Ped Paths is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying S Higgins Ave over Clark Fork R-Ped Paths in Missoula County, Montana. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 2022, so it is 63 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 11,197 vehicles a day, projected to reach 11,757 by 2043. The structure is 974 ft (296.8 m) long and 75 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesS Higgins Ave
CrossesClark Fork R-Ped Paths
LocationMissoula-S Higgins Ave
RouteCity Street 8113
CountyMissoula County
StateMontana
Coordinates46.86824, -113.99644
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.5 US tons
Inventory rating31.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+10 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length974 ft (296.8 m)
Longest span172 ft (52.4 m)
Deck width75 ft (23 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,197 (2023)
Projected traffic11,757 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$5.7 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S Higgins Ave over Clark Fork R-Ped Paths built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2022.

What condition is S Higgins Ave over Clark Fork R-Ped Paths 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 2024.

How much traffic does S Higgins Ave over Clark Fork R-Ped Paths carry?

About 11,197 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is S Higgins Ave over Clark Fork R-Ped Paths?

The structure is 974 ft (296.8 m) long with a longest span of 172 ft (52.4 m) and a deck 75 ft wide.

Who owns S Higgins Ave over Clark Fork R-Ped Paths?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.