US Bridges

IRR BIA RTE 27 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

County 102, South Dakota · 8 KM North of Rockyford · Structure no. 00000000000A021

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
180 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
916
2023 count
Owner
Federal
Bureau of Indian Affairs

About this bridge

IRR BIA RTE 27 over Cottonwood Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IRR BIA RTE 27 over Cottonwood Creek in County 102, South Dakota. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 5 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 916 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,171 by 2043. The structure is 180 ft (55 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIRR BIA RTE 27
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location8 KM North of Rockyford
RouteFederal Lands Road 27
CountyCounty 102
StateSouth Dakota
Coordinates43.54786, -102.48774
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, 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 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.7 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length180 ft (55 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic916 (2023)
Projected traffic1,171 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerBureau of Indian Affairs
Maintained byBureau of Indian Affairs
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$82,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IRR BIA RTE 27 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is IRR BIA RTE 27 over Cottonwood Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does IRR BIA RTE 27 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 916 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is IRR BIA RTE 27 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 180 ft (55 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns IRR BIA RTE 27 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.