US Bridges

171st Street over Creek

PoorPosted for load

Spink County, South Dakota · 7S 2.9W Athol · Structure no. 000000058031230

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
55
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

171st Street over Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 171st Street over Creek in Spink County, South Dakota. It was built in 1930, 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 55 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 55 by 2032. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Carries171st Street
CrossesCreek
Location7S 2.9W Athol
RouteCounty Highway 0
Coordinates44.91175, -98.65307
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.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating18.8 US tons
Inventory rating14.6 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic55 (2022)
Projected traffic55 by 2032
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$907,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 171st Street over Creek built?

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

What condition is 171st Street 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does 171st Street over Creek carry?

About 55 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is 171st Street over Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns 171st Street over Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.