US Bridges

S 16 over Crane Creek

Poor

Richland County, Montana · Crane · Structure no. P00020041+03501

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
37 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,821
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 16 over Crane Creek is a steel culvert carrying S 16 over Crane Creek in Richland County, Montana. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 2,821 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,976 by 2043. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 65.9 mi (106 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS 16
CrossesCrane Creek
LocationCrane
RouteState Highway 16
CountyRichland County
StateMontana
Coordinates47.57392, -104.26306
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: 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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,821 (2023)
Projected traffic2,976 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed65.9 mi (106 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$171,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S 16 over Crane Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is S 16 over Crane Creek 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does S 16 over Crane Creek carry?

About 2,821 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is S 16 over Crane Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m).

Who owns S 16 over Crane Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.