US Bridges

171st Street over Creek

FairPosted for load

Faulk County, South Dakota · 6.5W & 1N Zell · Structure no. 000000025345230

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

171st Street over Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 171st Street over Creek in Faulk County, South Dakota. It was built in 1927, so it is 98 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 15 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 15 by 2032. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Carries171st Street
CrossesCreek
Location6.5W & 1N Zell
RouteCounty Highway 0
Coordinates44.91151, -98.87086
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating20.6 US tons
Inventory rating12.3 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2022)
Projected traffic15 by 2032
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 171st Street over Creek built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025.

What condition is 171st Street over Creek 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does 171st Street over Creek carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is 171st Street over Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns 171st Street over Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.