US Bridges

Armour Saari Road over Whitefish River

FairPosted for load

Alger County, Michigan · 1 MI W of Trenary · Structure no. 000000000000071

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
65 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
1995 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Armour Saari Road over Whitefish River is a steel truss - thru carrying Armour Saari Road over Whitefish River in Alger County, Michigan. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2015. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesArmour Saari Road
CrossesWhitefish River
Location1 MI W of Trenary
CountyAlger County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.19609, -86.99077
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating13.7 US tons
Inventory rating8.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (1995)
Projected traffic20 by 2015
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$240,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Armour Saari Road over Whitefish River built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Armour Saari 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 Armour Saari Road over Whitefish River carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (1995 count).

How long is Armour Saari Road over Whitefish River?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Armour Saari Road over Whitefish River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.