US Bridges

Stoltz RD over Birch Creek 001

FairPosted for load

Pondera County, Montana · 12M W Valier · Structure no. L37038002+03001

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2025 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Stoltz RD over Birch Creek 001 is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Stoltz RD over Birch Creek 001 in Pondera 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 100 by 2040. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesStoltz RD
CrossesBirch Creek 001
Location12M W Valier
RouteCounty Highway 37038
CountyPondera County
StateMontana
Coordinates48.34707, -112.48761
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating14 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.3 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2025)
Projected traffic100 by 2040
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 Stoltz RD over Birch Creek 001 built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is Stoltz RD over Birch Creek 001 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 2023.

How much traffic does Stoltz RD over Birch Creek 001 carry?

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

How long is Stoltz RD over Birch Creek 001?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.3 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Stoltz RD over Birch Creek 001?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.