US Bridges

Saarinen Road over Black Creek

Fair

Baraga County, Michigan · 0.25 MI N of Watton · Structure no. 000000000012758

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
22 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
80
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Saarinen Road over Black Creek is a steel culvert carrying Saarinen Road over Black Creek in Baraga County, Michigan. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 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.

It carries about 80 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 150 by 2035. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSaarinen Road
CrossesBlack Creek
Location0.25 MI N of Watton
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBaraga County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.54283, -88.60574
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating69.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic80 (2015)
Projected traffic150 by 2035
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Saarinen Road over Black Creek built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is Saarinen Road over Black Creek 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 Saarinen Road over Black Creek carry?

About 80 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Saarinen Road over Black Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns Saarinen Road over Black Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.