US Bridges

S 243 over Drainage

Fair

Phillips County, Montana · 1M N Saco · Structure no. S00243020+00001

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
115 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
188
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 243 over Drainage is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S 243 over Drainage in Phillips County, Montana. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 188 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 197 by 2043. The structure is 115 ft (35.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS 243
CrossesDrainage
Location1M N Saco
RouteState Highway 243
CountyPhillips County
StateMontana
Coordinates48.48228, -107.34539
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length115 ft (35.1 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.9 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic188 (2023)
Projected traffic197 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 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 243 over Drainage built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is S 243 over Drainage 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does S 243 over Drainage carry?

About 188 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is S 243 over Drainage?

The structure is 115 ft (35.1 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.9 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns S 243 over Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.