US Bridges

338th Avenue over Waterhole Creek

PoorPosted for load

Lyman County, South Dakota · 7.1E & 16.1S of Reliance · Structure no. 000000043451381

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
89 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

338th Avenue over Waterhole Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 338th Avenue over Waterhole Creek in Lyman 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 15 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 15 by 2032. The structure is 89 ft (27.1 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Carries338th Avenue
CrossesWaterhole Creek
Location7.1E & 16.1S of Reliance
RouteCounty Highway 0
Coordinates43.64414, -99.4636
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating3.9 US tons
Inventory rating2.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length89 ft (27.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2022)
Projected traffic15 by 2032
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$1.7 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 338th Avenue over Waterhole Creek built?

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

What condition is 338th Avenue over Waterhole 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 338th Avenue over Waterhole Creek carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is 338th Avenue over Waterhole Creek?

The structure is 89 ft (27.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns 338th Avenue over Waterhole Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.