US Bridges

IRR BIA RTE 3 over Little White River

PoorPosted for load

Todd County, South Dakota · In Ghost Hawk Park · Structure no. 00000000000A034

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2022
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
99 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
44
2022 count
Owner
Federal
Bureau of Indian Affairs

About this bridge

IRR BIA RTE 3 over Little White River is a concrete channel beam carrying IRR BIA RTE 3 over Little White River in Todd County, South Dakota. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 3 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 44 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 52 by 2042. The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

CarriesIRR BIA RTE 3
CrossesLittle White River
LocationIn Ghost Hawk Park
RouteFederal Lands Road 3
Coordinates43.20203, -100.96772
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
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 inspectionAugust 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating35.8 US tons
Inventory rating27.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length99 ft (30.2 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic44 (2022)
Projected traffic52 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.5 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IRR BIA RTE 3 over Little White River built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is IRR BIA RTE 3 over Little White River 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 August 2022.

How much traffic does IRR BIA RTE 3 over Little White River carry?

About 44 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is IRR BIA RTE 3 over Little White River?

The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns IRR BIA RTE 3 over Little White River?

It is owned by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.