US Bridges

US-41 over W Br Whitefish River

Fair

Alger County, Michigan · 1.5 MI SW of Trenary · Structure no. 000000000000032

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,264
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-41 over W Br Whitefish River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-41 over W Br Whitefish River in Alger County, Michigan. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 years old, older than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 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 2,264 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,124 by 2018. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.1 mi (63 km).

CarriesUS-41
CrossesW Br Whitefish River
Location1.5 MI SW of Trenary
RouteU.S. Route 41
Coordinates46.18491, -86.97879
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating41.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.8 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,264 (2007)
Projected traffic3,124 by 2018
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.1 mi (63 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 US-41 over W Br Whitefish River built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-41 over W Br Whitefish 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US-41 over W Br Whitefish River carry?

About 2,264 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US-41 over W Br Whitefish River?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.8 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns US-41 over W Br Whitefish River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.