US Bridges

Hurbert Road over Thunder Bay River

PoorPosted for load

Alcona County, Michigan · 1 MI N 6.5 MI W of Spruce · Structure no. 000000000000013

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
65 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,730
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hurbert Road over Thunder Bay River is a steel culvert carrying Hurbert Road over Thunder Bay River in Alcona County, Michigan. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 years old, older than the Michigan average of 48.3 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 1,730 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,375 by 2023. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesHurbert Road
CrossesThunder Bay River
Location1 MI N 6.5 MI W of Spruce
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyAlcona County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.85907, -83.59526
Functional classRural Major 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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating19 US tons
Inventory rating11.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span13 ft (3.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,730 (2003)
Projected traffic2,375 by 2023
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$90,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Hurbert Road over Thunder Bay River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Hurbert Road over Thunder Bay 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Hurbert Road over Thunder Bay River carry?

About 1,730 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is Hurbert Road over Thunder Bay River?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (3.9 m).

Who owns Hurbert Road over Thunder Bay River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.