US Bridges

Diffin Road over Whitefish River

Fair

Alger County, Michigan · 0.5 N of Diffin · Structure no. 000000000000055

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
90 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
83
1995 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Diffin Road over Whitefish River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Diffin Road over Whitefish River in Alger County, Michigan. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 years old, younger 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 6 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 83 vehicles a day, projected to reach 160 by 2015. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 124.3 mi (200 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDiffin Road
CrossesWhitefish River
Location0.5 N of Diffin
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyAlger County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.21472, -87.04237
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating80 US tons
Inventory rating47.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span86 ft (26.2 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic83 (1995)
Projected traffic160 by 2015
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed124.3 mi (200 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 Diffin Road over Whitefish River built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025.

What condition is Diffin Road over 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Diffin Road over Whitefish River carry?

About 83 vehicles per day (1995 count).

How long is Diffin Road over Whitefish River?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 86 ft (26.2 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Diffin Road over Whitefish River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.