US Bridges

Capitol Ave over Capitol Lake Outlet

Poor

Hughes County, South Dakota · Capitol Ave Pierre · Structure no. 000000033113123

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 2009
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
69 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,155
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Capitol Ave over Capitol Lake Outlet is a steel culvert carrying Capitol Ave over Capitol Lake Outlet in Hughes County, South Dakota. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 2009, so it is 75 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.

It carries about 7,155 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,445 by 2043. The structure is 69 ft (20.9 m) long and 68 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesCapitol Ave
CrossesCapitol Lake Outlet
LocationCapitol Ave Pierre
RouteU.S. Route 14
CountyHughes County
StateSouth Dakota
Coordinates44.36432, -100.34335
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating46.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length69 ft (20.9 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width68 ft (20.7 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,155 (2023)
Projected traffic9,445 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$550,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Capitol Ave over Capitol Lake Outlet built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2009.

What condition is Capitol Ave over Capitol Lake Outlet 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Capitol Ave over Capitol Lake Outlet carry?

About 7,155 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Capitol Ave over Capitol Lake Outlet?

The structure is 69 ft (20.9 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 68 ft wide.

Who owns Capitol Ave over Capitol Lake Outlet?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.