US Bridges

480th Avenue over East Brule Creek

PoorPosted for load

Lincoln County, South Dakota · 6W & 3.7S of Fairview · Structure no. 000000042160227

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

480th Avenue over East Brule Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 480th Avenue over East Brule Creek in Lincoln County, South Dakota. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1970, 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 50 by 2032. The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Carries480th Avenue
CrossesEast Brule Creek
Location6W & 3.7S of Fairview
Coordinates43.17516, -96.60879
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating13.4 US tons
Inventory rating10.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (8 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2022)
Projected traffic50 by 2032
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 480th Avenue over East Brule Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is 480th Avenue over East Brule Creek 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does 480th Avenue over East Brule Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is 480th Avenue over East Brule Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns 480th Avenue over East Brule Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.