US Bridges

Risku Road over Laughing Whitefish River

FairPosted for load

Alger County, Michigan · 3 MI N of Deerton & M-28 · Structure no. 000000000000081

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
1991 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Risku Road over Laughing Whitefish River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Risku Road over Laughing Whitefish River in Alger County, Michigan. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 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 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2011. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRisku Road
CrossesLaughing Whitefish River
Location3 MI N of Deerton & M-28
CountyAlger County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.51603, -87.02572
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating19 US tons
Inventory rating14.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (1991)
Projected traffic75 by 2011
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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$200,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Risku Road over Laughing Whitefish River built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

What condition is Risku Road over Laughing 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 Risku Road over Laughing Whitefish River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (1991 count).

How long is Risku Road over Laughing Whitefish River?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Risku Road over Laughing Whitefish River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.