US Bridges

S 253 over Cherry Creek

Fair

Prairie County, Montana · 4M N Terry · Structure no. S00253005+00301

Built
2007
18 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
330 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
441
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 253 over Cherry Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S 253 over Cherry Creek in Prairie County, Montana. It was built in 2007, so it is 18 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 441 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 463 by 2043. The structure is 330 ft (100.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS 253
CrossesCherry Creek
Location4M N Terry
RouteState Highway 253
CountyPrairie County
StateMontana
Coordinates46.85047, -105.32522
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length330 ft (100.5 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic441 (2023)
Projected traffic463 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.7 mi (72 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 253 over Cherry Creek built?

It was built in 2007, making it 18 years old in 2025.

What condition is S 253 over Cherry 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does S 253 over Cherry Creek carry?

About 441 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is S 253 over Cherry Creek?

The structure is 330 ft (100.5 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns S 253 over Cherry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.