US Bridges

Galaxy Rd. over Elk Ck

Fair

Meade County, South Dakota · 15E&11.3S Sturgis · Structure no. 000000047180543

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1965
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
62 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Galaxy Rd. over Elk Ck is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Galaxy Rd. over Elk Ck in Meade County, South Dakota. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1965, so it is 100 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 6 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 15 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 15 by 2032. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesGalaxy Rd.
CrossesElk Ck
Location15E&11.3S Sturgis
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMeade County
StateSouth Dakota
Coordinates44.2509, -103.21117
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.6 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2022)
Projected traffic15 by 2032
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$15,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Galaxy Rd. over Elk Ck built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1965.

What condition is Galaxy Rd. over Elk Ck 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 Galaxy Rd. over Elk Ck carry?

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

How long is Galaxy Rd. over Elk Ck?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Galaxy Rd. over Elk Ck?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.