US Bridges

IRR - S 251 over Hay Creek

Poor

Roosevelt County, Montana · 26M NE Poplar · Structure no. S00251021+07001

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
39 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
88
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IRR - S 251 over Hay Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IRR - S 251 over Hay Creek in Roosevelt County, Montana. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 88 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 92 by 2043. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIRR - S 251
CrossesHay Creek
Location26M NE Poplar
RouteState Highway 251
CountyRoosevelt County
StateMontana
Coordinates48.41738, -105.08346
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic88 (2023)
Projected traffic92 by 2043
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 IRR - S 251 over Hay Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is IRR - S 251 over Hay 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does IRR - S 251 over Hay Creek carry?

About 88 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is IRR - S 251 over Hay Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns IRR - S 251 over Hay Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.