US Bridges

S 5th Ave E over Dodson South Canal 131

Poor

Phillips County, Montana · SE Malta · Structure no. L36275000+07001

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2025 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 5th Ave E over Dodson South Canal 131 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S 5th Ave E over Dodson South Canal 131 in Phillips County, Montana. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger than the Montana average of 47 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 100 by 2040. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS 5th Ave E
CrossesDodson South Canal 131
LocationSE Malta
RouteCounty Highway 36220
CountyPhillips County
StateMontana
Coordinates48.34953, -107.86678
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating54 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2025)
Projected traffic100 by 2040
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 5th Ave E over Dodson South Canal 131 built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is S 5th Ave E over Dodson South Canal 131 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

How much traffic does S 5th Ave E over Dodson South Canal 131 carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is S 5th Ave E over Dodson South Canal 131?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns S 5th Ave E over Dodson South Canal 131?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.