US Bridges

Cottonwood Road over Whitewater Ck

FairPosted for load

Jackson County, South Dakota · 3.8S Cottonwood · Structure no. 000000036120059

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
207 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
35
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cottonwood Road over Whitewater Ck is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cottonwood Road over Whitewater Ck in Jackson County, South Dakota. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 35 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 35 by 2032. The structure is 207 ft (63.1 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCottonwood Road
CrossesWhitewater Ck
Location3.8S Cottonwood
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJackson County
StateSouth Dakota
Coordinates43.9088, -101.89966
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating18 US tons
Inventory rating13 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length207 ft (63.1 m)
Longest span79 ft (24.2 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (2022)
Projected traffic35 by 2032
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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$10,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cottonwood Road over Whitewater Ck built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cottonwood Road over Whitewater 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Cottonwood Road over Whitewater Ck carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Cottonwood Road over Whitewater Ck?

The structure is 207 ft (63.1 m) long with a longest span of 79 ft (24.2 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Cottonwood Road over Whitewater Ck?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.