US Bridges

Union City Road over Coldwater River

Fair

Branch County, Michigan · Union Twp Sec 4 · Structure no. 000000000001133

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
110 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,155
2004 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Union City Road over Coldwater River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Union City Road over Coldwater River in Branch County, Michigan. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 2,155 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,202 by 2024. The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUnion City Road
CrossesColdwater River
LocationUnion Twp Sec 4
RouteCounty Highway 1257
CountyBranch County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.06544, -85.1282
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating84.1 US tons
Inventory rating40.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length110 ft (33.5 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,155 (2004)
Projected traffic3,202 by 2024
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$60,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Union City Road over Coldwater River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Union City 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Union City Road over Coldwater River carry?

About 2,155 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Union City Road over Coldwater River?

The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Union City Road over Coldwater River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.