US Bridges

Central Road over Cold Water River

PoorPosted for load

Branch County, Michigan · Ovid Twp Sec 9-16 · Structure no. 000000000001109

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Wood or Timber
Length
22 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
532
2004 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Central Road over Cold Water River is a wood or timber culvert carrying Central Road over Cold Water River in Branch County, Michigan. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 532 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 954 by 2024. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCentral Road
CrossesCold Water River
LocationOvid Twp Sec 9-16
RouteCounty Highway 1236
CountyBranch County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.8693, -85.0089
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating17.6 US tons
Inventory rating11 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic532 (2004)
Projected traffic954 by 2024
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$55,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Central Road over Cold Water River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is Central Road over Cold Water 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Central Road over Cold Water River carry?

About 532 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Central Road over Cold Water River?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m).

Who owns Central Road over Cold Water River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.