US Bridges

FSR 16 over South Tongue River

Fair

Sheridan County, Wyoming · 9.7 MI on FSR 16 · Structure no. 020206000003046

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
36
1992 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

FSR 16 over South Tongue River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FSR 16 over South Tongue River in Sheridan County, Wyoming. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 years old, older than the Wyoming average of 48.4 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 36 vehicles a day, projected to reach 54 by 2045. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFSR 16
CrossesSouth Tongue River
Location9.7 MI on FSR 16
RouteFederal Lands Road 16
CountySheridan County
StateWyoming
Coordinates44.7178, -107.4478
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.2 US tons
Inventory rating37.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span39 ft (12 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic36 (1992)
Projected traffic54 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FSR 16 over South Tongue River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is FSR 16 over South Tongue River 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does FSR 16 over South Tongue River carry?

About 36 vehicles per day (1992 count).

How long is FSR 16 over South Tongue River?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (12 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns FSR 16 over South Tongue River?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.