US Bridges

Hinsdale N RD over Bluff Creek 044

FairPosted for load

Valley County, Montana · 27M W Opheim · Structure no. L53001016+08001

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
14
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hinsdale N RD over Bluff Creek 044 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Hinsdale N RD over Bluff Creek 044 in Valley County, Montana. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 5 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 14 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 15 by 2043. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.7 mi (51 km).

Location

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CarriesHinsdale N RD
CrossesBluff Creek 044
Location27M W Opheim
RouteCounty Highway 53201
CountyValley County
StateMontana
Coordinates48.85684, -106.9577
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating18 US tons
Inventory rating11 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14 (2023)
Projected traffic15 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.7 mi (51 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 Hinsdale N RD over Bluff Creek 044 built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Hinsdale N RD over Bluff Creek 044 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Hinsdale N RD over Bluff Creek 044 carry?

About 14 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Hinsdale N RD over Bluff Creek 044?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Hinsdale N RD over Bluff Creek 044?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.