US Bridges

475th Avenue over Medary Ck

PoorPosted for load

Brookings County, South Dakota · 1.8S & 1W Aurora · Structure no. 000000006210198

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
87 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
92
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

475th Avenue over Medary Ck is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 475th Avenue over Medary Ck in Brookings County, South Dakota. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 years old, older than the South Dakota average of 48.9 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 92 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 92 by 2032. The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Carries475th Avenue
CrossesMedary Ck
Location1.8S & 1W Aurora
RouteCounty Highway 0
Coordinates44.25559, -96.70742
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating26.3 US tons
Inventory rating15.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length87 ft (26.5 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic92 (2022)
Projected traffic92 by 2032
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 475th Avenue over Medary Ck built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is 475th Avenue over Medary Ck in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does 475th Avenue over Medary Ck carry?

About 92 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is 475th Avenue over Medary Ck?

The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns 475th Avenue over Medary Ck?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.