US Bridges

US085 over Bull Ck

Fair

Harding County, South Dakota · 13.6 NE of Buffalo · Structure no. 000000032305144

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
117 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,248
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US085 over Bull Ck is a concrete continuous slab carrying US085 over Bull Ck in Harding County, South Dakota. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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.

It carries about 1,248 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,636 by 2044. The structure is 117 ft (35.7 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS085
CrossesBull Ck
Location13.6 NE of Buffalo
RouteU.S. Route 85
CountyHarding County
StateSouth Dakota
Coordinates45.74341, -103.42773
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69.1 US tons
Inventory rating41.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length117 ft (35.7 m)
Longest span23 ft (7.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,248 (2024)
Projected traffic1,636 by 2044
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$650,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US085 over Bull Ck built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is US085 over Bull Ck 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US085 over Bull Ck carry?

About 1,248 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is US085 over Bull Ck?

The structure is 117 ft (35.7 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US085 over Bull Ck?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.