US Bridges

Kivamaki Road over Whitefish River

PoorClosed to traffic

Alger County, Michigan · 5.7 MI Wsw of Traunik · Structure no. 000000000000073

Built
1910
115 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
46 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
1995 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Kivamaki Road over Whitefish River is a steel truss - thru carrying Kivamaki Road over Whitefish River in Alger County, Michigan. It was built in 1910, so it is 115 years old, older than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 2 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5 by 2015. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 124.3 mi (200 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKivamaki Road
CrossesWhitefish River
Location5.7 MI Wsw of Traunik
CountyAlger County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.2532, -87.09036
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure2 CriticalAdvanced deterioration of primary structural elements. Bridge may be closed until corrective action is taken.
Substructure2 CriticalAdvanced deterioration of primary structural elements. Bridge may be closed until corrective action is taken.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating6.1 US tons
Inventory rating2.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (1995)
Projected traffic5 by 2015
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 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 Kivamaki Road over Whitefish River built?

It was built in 1910, making it 115 years old in 2025.

What condition is Kivamaki Road over Whitefish River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does Kivamaki Road over Whitefish River carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (1995 count).

How long is Kivamaki Road over Whitefish River?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Kivamaki Road over Whitefish River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.