US Bridges

Wellman Road over Little Thornapple River

Fair

Barry County, Michigan · 0.35 MI S of E Brown RD · Structure no. 000000000013955

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wellman Road over Little Thornapple River is a steel culvert carrying Wellman Road over Little Thornapple River in Barry County, Michigan. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2037. The structure is 27 ft (8.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWellman Road
CrossesLittle Thornapple River
Location0.35 MI S of E Brown RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBarry County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.7508, -85.15369
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating70.8 US tons
Inventory rating42.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.3 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 closed1.9 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 Wellman Road over Little Thornapple River built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

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

About 50 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is Wellman Road over Little Thornapple River?

The structure is 27 ft (8.3 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.2 m).

Who owns Wellman Road over Little Thornapple River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.