US Bridges

Howie RD over Drainage 021

Fair

Sweet Grass County, Montana · 3M NE Big Timber · Structure no. L49014000+05001

Built
1923
102 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
164
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Howie RD over Drainage 021 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Howie RD over Drainage 021 in Sweet Grass County, Montana. It was built in 1923 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 102 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 164 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 173 by 2043. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHowie RD
CrossesDrainage 021
Location3M NE Big Timber
RouteCounty Highway 49014
CountySweet Grass County
StateMontana
Coordinates45.85622, -109.88729
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.9 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic164 (2023)
Projected traffic173 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Howie RD over Drainage 021 built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

What condition is Howie RD over Drainage 021 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Howie RD over Drainage 021 carry?

About 164 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Howie RD over Drainage 021?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Howie RD over Drainage 021?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.