S 243 over Milk River
FairPhillips County, Montana · 5M N Saco · Structure no. S00243016+00001
- Built
- 1954
- 71 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected June 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel Continuous
- Length
- 254 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 57
- 2023 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
S 243 over Milk River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S 243 over Milk River in Phillips County, Montana. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 57 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 60 by 2043. The structure is 254 ft (77.4 m) long and 27 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 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was S 243 over Milk River built?
It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.
What condition is S 243 over Milk River 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 243 over Milk River carry?
About 57 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.
How long is S 243 over Milk River?
The structure is 254 ft (77.4 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.
Who owns S 243 over Milk River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.