US Bridges

I 15 over Pondera Coulee

Good

Pondera County, Montana · 1M S Conrad · Structure no. I00015338+02052

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
124 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,480
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 15 over Pondera Coulee is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 15 over Pondera Coulee in Pondera County, Montana. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 years old, older than the Montana average of 47 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,480 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,554 by 2043. The structure is 124 ft (37.8 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesI 15
CrossesPondera Coulee
Location1M S Conrad
RouteInterstate 15
StateMontana
Coordinates48.16557, -111.92789
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length124 ft (37.8 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.5 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,480 (2023)
Projected traffic1,554 by 2043
Trucks28%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I 15 over Pondera Coulee built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 15 over Pondera Coulee in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does I 15 over Pondera Coulee carry?

About 1,480 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is I 15 over Pondera Coulee?

The structure is 124 ft (37.8 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.5 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns I 15 over Pondera Coulee?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.