US Bridges

Big Powder R E RD over Little Powder River 028

FairPosted for load

Powder River County, Montana · 5M E Broadus · Structure no. L38665004+05001

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
250 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
107
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Big Powder R E RD over Little Powder River 028 is a steel truss - thru carrying Big Powder R E RD over Little Powder River 028 in Powder River County, Montana. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 107 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 114 by 2043. The structure is 250 ft (76.1 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 57.2 mi (92 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBig Powder R E RD
CrossesLittle Powder River 028
Location5M E Broadus
RouteCounty Highway 398
CountyPowder River County
StateMontana
Coordinates45.46095, -105.32796
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating27 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length250 ft (76.1 m)
Longest span150 ft (45.7 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic107 (2023)
Projected traffic114 by 2043
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed57.2 mi (92 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 Big Powder R E RD over Little Powder River 028 built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is Big Powder R E RD over Little Powder River 028 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 Big Powder R E RD over Little Powder River 028 carry?

About 107 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Big Powder R E RD over Little Powder River 028?

The structure is 250 ft (76.1 m) long with a longest span of 150 ft (45.7 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Big Powder R E RD over Little Powder River 028?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.