US Bridges

Lower Game Range R over Cottonwood Creek

FairPosted for load

Powell County, Montana · 7M N Ovando · Structure no. 000000000007048

Built
1990
35 years old, rebuilt 2024
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2025 count
Owner
State
Other State Agency

About this bridge

Lower Game Range R over Cottonwood Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Lower Game Range R over Cottonwood Creek in Powell County, Montana. It was built in 1990 and reconstructed in 2024, so it is 35 years old, younger 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 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLower Game Range R
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location7M N Ovando
RouteState Lands Road 39415
CountyPowell County
StateMontana
Coordinates47.05052, -113.27154
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating5 US tons
Inventory rating5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckSteel plate
Main spans1
Design loadOther
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 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 closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerOther State Agency
Maintained byOther State Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lower Game Range R over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2024.

What condition is Lower Game Range R over Cottonwood Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Lower Game Range R over Cottonwood Creek carry?

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

How long is Lower Game Range R over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Lower Game Range R over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the Other State Agency.