S 243 over Whitewater Creek
PoorPosted for loadPhillips County, Montana · 10 M NW Saco · Structure no. S00243011+07001
- Built
- 1976
- 49 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected April 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 80 ft
- 2 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 39
- 2023 count
- Owner
- County
- County Highway Agency
About this bridge
S 243 over Whitewater Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S 243 over Whitewater Creek in Phillips County, Montana. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 years old, older 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.
It carries about 39 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 41 by 2043. The structure is 80 ft (24.5 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
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.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was S 243 over Whitewater Creek built?
It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.
What condition is S 243 over Whitewater Creek 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 April 2024.
How much traffic does S 243 over Whitewater Creek carry?
About 39 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.
How long is S 243 over Whitewater Creek?
The structure is 80 ft (24.5 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.
Who owns S 243 over Whitewater Creek?
It is owned by the County Highway Agency.