US Bridges

S 271 over Nevada Creek

Fair

Powell County, Montana · 1M NE Helmville · Structure no. S00271021+06001

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
41 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
308
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 271 over Nevada Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S 271 over Nevada Creek in Powell 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 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 308 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 339 by 2043. The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 80.2 mi (129 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS 271
CrossesNevada Creek
Location1M NE Helmville
RouteState Highway 271
CountyPowell County
StateMontana
Coordinates46.87248, -112.94669
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.4 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic308 (2023)
Projected traffic339 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed80.2 mi (129 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 S 271 over Nevada Creek built?

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

What condition is S 271 over Nevada 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 S 271 over Nevada Creek carry?

About 308 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is S 271 over Nevada Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns S 271 over Nevada Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.