US Bridges

480th Avenue over East Brule Creek

Poor

Lincoln County, South Dakota · 8E & 0.6N of Beresford · Structure no. 000000042160284

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
48 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

480th Avenue over East Brule Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying 480th Avenue over East Brule Creek in Lincoln 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.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 50 by 2032. The structure is 48 ft (14.5 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Carries480th Avenue
CrossesEast Brule Creek
Location8E & 0.6N of Beresford
Coordinates43.09309, -96.60847
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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length48 ft (14.5 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.9 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 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$1.7 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 480th Avenue over East Brule Creek built?

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

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 48 ft (14.5 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns 480th Avenue over East Brule Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.