US Bridges

Homestake Road over Higgins Gulch

Fair

Lawrence County, South Dakota · 1W JCT US85 · Structure no. 000000041084060

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,000
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Homestake Road over Higgins Gulch is a concrete culvert carrying Homestake Road over Higgins Gulch in Lawrence County, South Dakota. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 2,000 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,000 by 2032. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesHomestake Road
CrossesHiggins Gulch
Location1W JCT US85
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLawrence County
StateSouth Dakota
Coordinates44.51794, -103.88308
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,000 (2022)
Projected traffic2,000 by 2032
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Homestake Road over Higgins Gulch built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Homestake Road over Higgins Gulch 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Homestake Road over Higgins Gulch carry?

About 2,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Homestake Road over Higgins Gulch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Homestake Road over Higgins Gulch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.