US Bridges

Messer Road over Coldwater River

Poor

Barry County, Michigan · 0.46 MI N of E Brown RD · Structure no. 000000000013951

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Messer Road over Coldwater River is a steel culvert carrying Messer Road over Coldwater River in Barry County, Michigan. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 3 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.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2037. The structure is 30 ft (9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMesser Road
CrossesColdwater River
Location0.46 MI N of E Brown RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBarry County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.76219, -85.27108
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating25.4 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9 m)
Longest span13 ft (3.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2017)
Projected traffic100 by 2037
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Messer Road over Coldwater River built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Messer Road over Coldwater River 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Messer Road over Coldwater River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is Messer Road over Coldwater River?

The structure is 30 ft (9 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (3.9 m).

Who owns Messer Road over Coldwater River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.