US Bridges

S 16 over Missouri River

Fair

Richland County, Montana · 2M SE Culbertson · Structure no. P00062003+09931

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
955 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,014
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S 16 over Missouri River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S 16 over Missouri River in Richland County, Montana. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger 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 1,014 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,171 by 2043. The structure is 955 ft (291 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS 16
CrossesMissouri River
Location2M SE Culbertson
RouteState Highway 16
CountyRichland County
StateMontana
Coordinates48.12377, -104.47474
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length955 ft (291 m)
Longest span265 ft (80.8 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,014 (2023)
Projected traffic1,171 by 2043
Trucks34%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S 16 over Missouri River built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is S 16 over Missouri River 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does S 16 over Missouri River carry?

About 1,014 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is S 16 over Missouri River?

The structure is 955 ft (291 m) long with a longest span of 265 ft (80.8 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns S 16 over Missouri River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.