US Bridges

US 212 over Yellowstone River

Good

Yellowstone County, Montana · 1M S Laurel · Structure no. P00004053+05141

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
513 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
12,394
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 212 over Yellowstone River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 212 over Yellowstone River in Yellowstone County, Montana. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 years old, younger than the Montana average of 47 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 12,394 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,447 by 2043. The structure is 513 ft (156.3 m) long and 72 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesUS 212
CrossesYellowstone River
Location1M S Laurel
RouteU.S. Route 212
StateMontana
Coordinates45.65417, -108.75972
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHL 93
Structure length513 ft (156.3 m)
Longest span166 ft (50.6 m)
Deck width72 ft (22 m)
Roadway width63 ft (19.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,394 (2023)
Projected traffic13,447 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
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 212 over Yellowstone River built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 212 over Yellowstone River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does US 212 over Yellowstone River carry?

About 12,394 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 212 over Yellowstone River?

The structure is 513 ft (156.3 m) long with a longest span of 166 ft (50.6 m) and a deck 72 ft wide.

Who owns US 212 over Yellowstone River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.