US Bridges

S 244 over Flatwillow Creek

FairPosted for load

Petroleum County, Montana · 6M SW Flatwillow · Structure no. S00244005+08001

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
134 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
208
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 244 over Flatwillow Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S 244 over Flatwillow Creek in Petroleum County, Montana. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 208 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 218 by 2043. The structure is 134 ft (40.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 72.1 mi (116 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS 244
CrossesFlatwillow Creek
Location6M SW Flatwillow
RouteState Highway 244
CountyPetroleum County
StateMontana
Coordinates46.78829, -108.51402
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length134 ft (40.7 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic208 (2023)
Projected traffic218 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed72.1 mi (116 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S 244 over Flatwillow Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is S 244 over Flatwillow Creek 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does S 244 over Flatwillow Creek carry?

About 208 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is S 244 over Flatwillow Creek?

The structure is 134 ft (40.7 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns S 244 over Flatwillow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.