US Bridges

Barlow Road over Van Etten Creek

Good

Alcona County, Michigan · 7.5 MI South of M-72 · Structure no. 000000000000020

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Barlow Road over Van Etten Creek is a wood or timber slab carrying Barlow Road over Van Etten Creek in Alcona County, Michigan. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 years old, younger than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 60 by 2023. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBarlow Road
CrossesVan Etten Creek
Location7.5 MI South of M-72
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyAlcona County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.55181, -83.40174
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating78.6 US tons
Inventory rating53.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2003)
Projected traffic60 by 2023
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Barlow Road over Van Etten Creek built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is Barlow Road over Van Etten Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does Barlow Road over Van Etten Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2003 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Barlow Road over Van Etten Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Barlow Road over Van Etten Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.