US Bridges

S 253 over Cedar Creek

Fair

Prairie County, Montana · 22M NW Terry · Structure no. S00253022+08031

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
75 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
368
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 253 over Cedar Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S 253 over Cedar Creek in Prairie 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 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 368 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 432 by 2043. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS 253
CrossesCedar Creek
Location22M NW Terry
RouteState Highway 253
CountyPrairie County
StateMontana
Coordinates47.02283, -105.59131
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 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 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 rating46 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 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 Cedar Creek built?

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

What condition is S 253 over Cedar 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 Cedar Creek carry?

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

How long is S 253 over Cedar Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns S 253 over Cedar Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.