Second Avenue over Thunder Bay River
FairPosted for loadAlpena County, Michigan · 0.2 MI E of US23 · Structure no. 000000000000357
- Built
- 1939
- 86 years old, rebuilt 1988
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected July 2023
- Type
- Movable - Bascule
- Steel
- Length
- 264 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 15,700
- 2016 count
- Owner
- City
- City or Municipal Highway Agency
About this bridge
Second Avenue over Thunder Bay River is a steel movable - bascule carrying Second Avenue over Thunder Bay River in Alpena County, Michigan. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 86 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 15,700 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,000 by 2036. The structure is 264 ft (80.6 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Second Avenue over Thunder Bay River built?
It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.
What condition is Second Avenue over Thunder Bay 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 July 2023.
How much traffic does Second Avenue over Thunder Bay River carry?
About 15,700 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.
How long is Second Avenue over Thunder Bay River?
The structure is 264 ft (80.6 m) long with a longest span of 127 ft (38.7 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.
Who owns Second Avenue over Thunder Bay River?
It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.