US Bridges

Thiel RD over Clarks Fk YELLOWSTONE026

Fair

Yellowstone County, Montana · 3M SE Laurel · Structure no. L56304002+00001

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
240 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2025 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Thiel RD over Clarks Fk YELLOWSTONE026 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Thiel RD over Clarks Fk YELLOWSTONE026 in Yellowstone County, Montana. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 100 by 2040. The structure is 240 ft (73.1 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesThiel RD
CrossesClarks Fk YELLOWSTONE026
Location3M SE Laurel
RouteCounty Highway 56304
CountyYellowstone County
StateMontana
Coordinates45.64826, -108.71673
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length240 ft (73.1 m)
Longest span119 ft (36.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2025)
Projected traffic100 by 2040
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 Thiel RD over Clarks Fk YELLOWSTONE026 built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is Thiel RD over Clarks Fk YELLOWSTONE026 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Thiel RD over Clarks Fk YELLOWSTONE026 carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Thiel RD over Clarks Fk YELLOWSTONE026?

The structure is 240 ft (73.1 m) long with a longest span of 119 ft (36.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Thiel RD over Clarks Fk YELLOWSTONE026?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.