Dearborn River High Bridge

The Dearborn River High Bridge in Montana carries Lake Bean Road across the Dearborn River southwest of Augusta and stands as an exceptionally rare example of a steel Pratt half-deck truss bridge, with the roadway hung through the middle of the truss for light loads over a high, deep crossing. Built in 1896–1897 for $9,997, it has four spans and a wooden plank deck and is the last surviving pin-connected bridge of its type in the United States. The crossing long predated the bridge, having been used by local Indigenous peoples, primarily the Blackfeet, at Ponderay Crossing. In 2003, the bridge was rehabilitated and recognized on the National Register of Historic Places for its rarity and engineering significance.

Montana · United States