US Bridges

318th Avenue over Creek

PoorPosted for load

Lyman County, South Dakota · 3E & 6.5N of Kennebec · Structure no. 000000043280135

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
24
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

318th Avenue over Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 318th Avenue over Creek in Lyman County, South Dakota. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 95 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 24 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 24 by 2032. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Carries318th Avenue
CrossesCreek
Location3E & 6.5N of Kennebec
Coordinates44.00056, -99.80569
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 inspectionJuly 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating9.1 US tons
Inventory rating7.1 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24 (2022)
Projected traffic24 by 2032
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$841,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 318th Avenue over Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is 318th Avenue over 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does 318th Avenue over Creek carry?

About 24 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is 318th Avenue over Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns 318th Avenue over Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.