US Bridges

Rush Road over Little Thornapple River

Poor

Barry County, Michigan · 550 Ft S of Jordan RD · Structure no. 000000000013953

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

About this bridge

Rush Road over Little Thornapple River is a steel culvert carrying Rush Road over Little Thornapple 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 4 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 24 ft (7.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRush Road
CrossesLittle Thornapple River
Location550 Ft S of Jordan RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBarry County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.73972, -85.18328
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating71.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.2 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.2 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 closed1.2 mi (2 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 Rush Road over Little Thornapple River built?

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

What condition is Rush Road over Little Thornapple 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 Rush Road over Little Thornapple River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is Rush Road over Little Thornapple River?

The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.2 m).

Who owns Rush Road over Little Thornapple River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.