US Bridges

Forest Hy 13(H-13) over Big Indian River

Fair

Alger County, Michigan · 3.9 MI N of Delta CO Line · Structure no. 000000000000056

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
394
1995 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Forest Hy 13(H-13) over Big Indian River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Forest Hy 13(H-13) over Big Indian River in Alger County, Michigan. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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 394 vehicles a day, projected to reach 750 by 2015. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesForest Hy 13(H-13)
CrossesBig Indian River
Location3.9 MI N of Delta CO Line
RouteCounty Highway 233
CountyAlger County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.20873, -86.61941
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.8 US tons
Inventory rating37.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic394 (1995)
Projected traffic750 by 2015
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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$350,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Forest Hy 13(H-13) over Big Indian River built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is Forest Hy 13(H-13) over Big Indian 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 Forest Hy 13(H-13) over Big Indian River carry?

About 394 vehicles per day (1995 count).

How long is Forest Hy 13(H-13) over Big Indian River?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Forest Hy 13(H-13) over Big Indian River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.