US Bridges

S 253 over Brackett Creek

Fair

Prairie County, Montana · 8M NW Terry · Structure no. S00253008+04031

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
95 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
404
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 253 over Brackett Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S 253 over Brackett Creek in Prairie County, Montana. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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.

It carries about 404 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 475 by 2043. The structure is 95 ft (29 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS 253
CrossesBrackett Creek
Location8M NW Terry
RouteState Highway 253
CountyPrairie County
StateMontana
Coordinates46.88061, -105.37564
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.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length95 ft (29 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic404 (2023)
Projected traffic475 by 2043
Trucks15%
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 Brackett Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is S 253 over Brackett 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does S 253 over Brackett Creek carry?

About 404 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is S 253 over Brackett Creek?

The structure is 95 ft (29 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns S 253 over Brackett Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.