US Bridges

Boulder RD over Boulder River 002

FairPosted for load

Sweet Grass County, Montana · 19M S Mcleod · Structure no. L49102007+01001

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
112 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
157
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Boulder RD over Boulder River 002 is a steel truss - thru carrying Boulder RD over Boulder River 002 in Sweet Grass County, Montana. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 94 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 157 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 165 by 2043. The structure is 112 ft (34.1 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesBoulder RD
CrossesBoulder River 002
Location19M S Mcleod
RouteCounty Highway 49102
StateMontana
Coordinates45.40386, -110.19221
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating23 US tons
Inventory rating17 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length112 ft (34.1 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width13 ft (3.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic157 (2023)
Projected traffic165 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 Boulder RD over Boulder River 002 built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is Boulder RD over Boulder River 002 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 2024.

How much traffic does Boulder RD over Boulder River 002 carry?

About 157 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is Boulder RD over Boulder River 002?

The structure is 112 ft (34.1 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Boulder RD over Boulder River 002?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.