US Bridges

S 253 over Drainage

Poor

Prairie County, Montana · 18M NW Terry · Structure no. S00253019+02031

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
95 ft
5 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, 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 368 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 432 by 2043. The structure is 95 ft (29 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
Location18M NW Terry
RouteState Highway 253
CountyPrairie County
StateMontana
Coordinates46.98292, -105.54464
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 rating41 US tons
Inventory rating29 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 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.

What condition is S 253 over Drainage in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. 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 95 ft (29 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.