US Bridges

Paulson Road over Dexter Creek

PoorPosted for load

Alger County, Michigan · 4 MI E & 1.5 MI N Trenary · Structure no. 000000000000075

Built
1920
105 years old, rebuilt 1968
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
1995 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Paulson Road over Dexter Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Paulson Road over Dexter Creek in Alger County, Michigan. It was built in 1920 and reconstructed in 1968, so it is 105 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 4 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: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 10 by 2015. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 124.3 mi (200 km).

Location

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CarriesPaulson Road
CrossesDexter Creek
Location4 MI E & 1.5 MI N Trenary
CountyAlger County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.21341, -86.88644
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating9.6 US tons
Inventory rating5.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (1995)
Projected traffic10 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Paulson Road over Dexter Creek built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1968.

What condition is Paulson Road over Dexter Creek 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 Paulson Road over Dexter Creek carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (1995 count).

How long is Paulson Road over Dexter Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Paulson Road over Dexter Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.