US Bridges

US 2 over Richardson Coulee

Fair

Valley County, Montana · 4M NW Glasgow · Structure no. P00001537+06421

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,484
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 2 over Richardson Coulee is a steel culvert carrying US 2 over Richardson Coulee in Valley County, Montana. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 years old, younger 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 1,484 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,558 by 2043. The structure is 28 ft (8.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesUS 2
CrossesRichardson Coulee
Location4M NW Glasgow
RouteU.S. Route 2
StateMontana
Coordinates48.24292, -106.68622
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating71 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length28 ft (8.4 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,484 (2023)
Projected traffic1,558 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US 2 over Richardson Coulee built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 2 over Richardson Coulee 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 2 over Richardson Coulee carry?

About 1,484 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 2 over Richardson Coulee?

The structure is 28 ft (8.4 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.8 m).

Who owns US 2 over Richardson Coulee?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.