US Bridges

309th Avenue over Medicine Creek

Fair

Hughes County, South Dakota · 0.2 W 0.4 S Blunt · Structure no. 000000033288023

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
106 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
152
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

309th Avenue over Medicine Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying 309th Avenue over Medicine Creek in Hughes County, South Dakota. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 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 152 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 152 by 2032. The structure is 106 ft (32.2 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries309th Avenue
CrossesMedicine Creek
Location0.2 W 0.4 S Blunt
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHughes County
StateSouth Dakota
Coordinates44.50763, -99.98906
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating32.5 US tons
Inventory rating19.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length106 ft (32.2 m)
Longest span23 ft (6.9 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic152 (2022)
Projected traffic152 by 2032
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed28 mi (45 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$30,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 309th Avenue over Medicine Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is 309th Avenue over Medicine 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does 309th Avenue over Medicine Creek carry?

About 152 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is 309th Avenue over Medicine Creek?

The structure is 106 ft (32.2 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (6.9 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns 309th Avenue over Medicine Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.