US Bridges

US 87 over Yellowstone River

Fair

Yellowstone County, Montana · Billings-Dick Johnston Br · Structure no. P00016000+06721

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
566 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
23,199
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 87 over Yellowstone River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 87 over Yellowstone River in Yellowstone County, Montana. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 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 23,199 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,359 by 2043. The structure is 566 ft (172.5 m) long and 91 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesUS 87
CrossesYellowstone River
LocationBillings-Dick Johnston Br
RouteU.S. Route 87
StateMontana
Coordinates45.79648, -108.46984
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length566 ft (172.5 m)
Longest span113 ft (34.4 m)
Deck width91 ft (27.7 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,199 (2023)
Projected traffic24,359 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 87 over Yellowstone River built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 87 over Yellowstone River 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 US 87 over Yellowstone River carry?

About 23,199 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 87 over Yellowstone River?

The structure is 566 ft (172.5 m) long with a longest span of 113 ft (34.4 m) and a deck 91 ft wide.

Who owns US 87 over Yellowstone River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.