FHWA NBI 2026 Inspection record Public-domain dataset

202ND ST.

Carrying 202ND ST. over BEAR BUTTE CK

5.3E BEAR BUTTE, Meade, South Dakota

FHWA NBI inspection record for this structure. Condition ratings, inventory load rating, span, deck width, and average daily traffic refresh annually with each NBI release.

Structurally Deficient
1 t Inventory load rating

Bridge Snapshot: 202ND ST.

The 202ND ST. bridge in Meade, South Dakota carries 202ND ST. over BEAR BUTTE CK. It was built in 2000, making it 26 years old today. The structure is built primarily of steel and spans 3 sections, stretching 6.7 meters (22 feet) end to end. Daily traffic averages 50 vehicles, placing it in the lower-traffic tier of South Dakota bridges. It is owned and maintained by County Highway Agency, the entity responsible for routine inspections and any needed repairs.

The latest FHWA inspection records show culvert at 1/9 on the 0–9 NBI scale, where 9 is excellent and 0 is failed. The weakest component sits in critical condition, which drives the overall status of this bridge. Because at least one major component scores 4 or lower, the FHWA classifies this bridge as structurally deficient — a maintenance flag, not a closure order. Its NBI inventory load rating is 0.9 metric tons — the load level the structure is rated to carry at inventory (long-term) level.

In a county that maintains hundreds of NBI-tracked bridges, 202ND ST. is one data point in a South Dakota inventory that FHWA inspects on a two-year cycle (more often when ratings fall). Bridge age alone is not a reliable safety signal — a 26-era structure can outperform a newer one when maintenance is consistent, materials are sound, and traffic loads stay within design limits. Use the condition ratings above, the sufficiency score, and the structurally-deficient flag together to read the bridge's real status, and check the linked county and state pages to see how this bridge ranks against its peers.

Every figure on this page comes directly from the Federal Highway Administration National Bridge Inventory (NBI), the public dataset that catalogs more than 617,000 highway bridges across the United States and is updated annually from the records that each state Department of Transportation submits to the FHWA. The condition codes use the standardized FHWA Recording and Coding Guide, the same scale that determines federal eligibility for the Highway Bridge Program and the Surface Transportation Block Grant set-aside for off-system bridges. A "structurally deficient" classification under those federal criteria is a maintenance and funding flag, never a closure order; states keep deficient bridges open with load posting, weight limits, or accelerated inspection cycles until rehabilitation or replacement is funded. See our methodology for refresh cadence and the exact NBI release vintage powering each record.

How 202ND ST. compares

▼ 31.6
Load rating vs South Dakota average (32.5 t)
Bottom 1%
Lower load rating than 99% of South Dakota bridges
217
Bridges in Meade · 23 structurally deficient
202ND ST. 0.9 t
South Dakota average 32.5 t

NBI inventory load rating (metric tons) and structural-deficiency status compared across South Dakota, computed live from the FHWA NBI.

Condition Ratings

Culvert
1/9
Poor (1–4)
Inventory Load Rating
0.9 t
NBI inventory level (metric tons)
SD Status
Structurally Deficient

Ratings are on a 0–9 scale: 9 = Excellent, 7–8 = Good, 5–6 = Fair, 3–4 = Poor, 0–2 = Critical/Failed. Sufficiency rating (0–100) combines structural adequacy, functional obsolescence, and essentiality.

Structural Details

Year Built
2000
Material
Steel
Number of Spans
3
Structure Length
6.7 m (22 ft)
Owner
County Highway Agency
Avg Daily Traffic
50 vehicles/day
Structure Number
000000047183390

Location

5.3E BEAR BUTTE, Meade, South Dakota
44.473744, -103.200186
View on Google Maps ↗

Data Source

Data from the FHWA National Bridge Inventory (NBI). Bridge inspections are required every two years by federal law. Conditions reflect the most recent inspection.

FHWA NBI Program ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the condition ratings mean for 202ND ST.?

Bridge condition ratings use a 0–9 scale set by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Ratings 7–9 indicate good condition with no significant problems. Ratings 5–6 mean fair condition with minor issues. Ratings 3–4 indicate poor condition requiring repair. Ratings 0–2 are critical, meaning the bridge has serious structural problems. 202ND ST. in Meade, South Dakota.

How often is 202ND ST. inspected?

Federal law requires most highway bridges to be inspected at least every 24 months. Bridges in poor condition or with known issues may be inspected more frequently (every 12 months or less). 202ND ST. is part of the National Bridge Inventory maintained by the FHWA. With 50 vehicles crossing daily, regular inspection is essential.

What does "structurally deficient" mean for a bridge?

A structurally deficient bridge has at least one major component (deck, superstructure, or substructure) rated 4 or below on the FHWA 0–9 scale. This classification does NOT mean the bridge is unsafe for travel — it means the bridge needs repair, rehabilitation, or eventual replacement. Structurally deficient bridges remain open and are monitored. 202ND ST. is currently classified as structurally deficient.

What is the inventory load rating for 202ND ST.?

The NBI inventory rating is the load level a bridge is rated to carry for an indefinite period, recorded in metric tons. A lower number means the structure is more load-restricted. 202ND ST. has an inventory load rating of 0.9 metric tons. It is distinct from the FHWA sufficiency rating, a separate 0–100 funding-eligibility score that this dataset does not include.

Who is responsible for maintaining 202ND ST.?

Bridge ownership and maintenance responsibility varies — bridges may be owned by state DOTs, counties, cities, railroads, or federal agencies. 202ND ST. is maintained by County Highway Agency. The FHWA oversees the National Bridge Inventory program and sets inspection standards, but day-to-day maintenance falls to the owning agency. If you notice damage or safety concerns, contact your state DOT or call 911 for emergencies.

How old is 202ND ST. and does age affect safety?

202ND ST. was built in 2000, making it 26 years old. Bridge age alone does not determine safety — condition depends on materials, design, traffic load, maintenance history, and environmental exposure. Many older bridges remain in good condition due to regular maintenance and reconstruction.

Disclaimer: Bridge condition data is from the FHWA NBI and reflects the last reported inspection. A structurally deficient rating does not mean a bridge is closed or unsafe for travel — it indicates the bridge requires repair or replacement. For current closure or safety information, contact your state DOT.

Related

Data sourced from official U.S. government datasets. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainBridges Editorial