US Bridges

RD 153 over Clear CR

Fair

Sanders County, Montana · Clear CR · Structure no. 011608000000027

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

RD 153 over Clear CR is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RD 153 over Clear CR in Sanders County, Montana. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2045. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

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CarriesRD 153
CrossesClear CR
LocationClear CR
RouteFederal Lands Road 153
CountySanders County
StateMontana
Coordinates47.6084, -115.47259
Functional classRural Local

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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating29.3 US tons
Inventory rating22.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (—)
Projected traffic75 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RD 153 over Clear CR built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is RD 153 over Clear CR 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does RD 153 over Clear CR carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is RD 153 over Clear CR?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns RD 153 over Clear CR?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.