US Bridges

Brown Road over Coldwater River

Fair

Barry County, Michigan · 0.20 MI E of Barber RD · Structure no. 000000000000555

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
81 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
889
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Brown Road over Coldwater River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Brown Road over Coldwater River in Barry County, Michigan. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 6 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 889 vehicles a day, projected to reach 934 by 2035. The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBrown Road
CrossesColdwater River
Location0.20 MI E of Barber RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBarry County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.75554, -85.26347
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length81 ft (24.7 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic889 (2015)
Projected traffic934 by 2035
Trucks0%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$380,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Brown Road over Coldwater River built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is Brown Road over Coldwater 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 Brown Road over Coldwater River carry?

About 889 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is Brown Road over Coldwater River?

The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Brown Road over Coldwater River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.