US Bridges

US 12 over Little Blackfoot River

Fair

Powell County, Montana · 1M E Elliston · Structure no. P00008022+02651

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
72 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,430
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 12 over Little Blackfoot River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 12 over Little Blackfoot River in Powell County, Montana. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 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 3,430 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,653 by 2043. The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long and 42 ft wide.

CarriesUS 12
CrossesLittle Blackfoot River
Location1M E Elliston
RouteU.S. Route 12
StateMontana
Coordinates46.55668, -112.40933
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length72 ft (21.9 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,430 (2023)
Projected traffic3,653 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US 12 over Little Blackfoot River built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 12 over Little Blackfoot River 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does US 12 over Little Blackfoot River carry?

About 3,430 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 12 over Little Blackfoot River?

The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 12 over Little Blackfoot River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.