US Bridges

S 253 over Drainage

Fair

Prairie County, Montana · 17M NW Terry · Structure no. S00253017+08031

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 2007
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
76 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
368
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 253 over Drainage is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S 253 over Drainage in Prairie County, Montana. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 2007, so it is 85 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 368 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 432 by 2043. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS 253
CrossesDrainage
Location17M NW Terry
RouteState Highway 253
CountyPrairie County
StateMontana
Coordinates46.96813, -105.52536
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic368 (2023)
Projected traffic432 by 2043
Trucks16%
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 Drainage built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2007.

What condition is S 253 over Drainage 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 Drainage carry?

About 368 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is S 253 over Drainage?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns S 253 over Drainage?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.