US Bridges

237 Street over Cottonwood Ck

PoorPosted for load

Jackson County, South Dakota · 2.5E Cottonwood · Structure no. 000000036145020

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
91 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

237 Street over Cottonwood Ck is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 237 Street over Cottonwood Ck in Jackson County, South Dakota. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 10 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 10 by 2032. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Carries237 Street
CrossesCottonwood Ck
Location2.5E Cottonwood
RouteCounty Highway 0
Coordinates43.96584, -101.84992
Functional classRural Local

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating26.1 US tons
Inventory rating15.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.2 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.3 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2022)
Projected traffic10 by 2032
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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$13,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 237 Street over Cottonwood Ck built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is 237 Street over Cottonwood Ck 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does 237 Street over Cottonwood Ck carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is 237 Street over Cottonwood Ck?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.2 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns 237 Street over Cottonwood Ck?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.