US Bridges

Bell Road over Hog Creek

FairPosted for load

Branch County, Michigan · Girard Twp Sec 17 · Structure no. 000000000001165

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
68 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
305
2004 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bell Road over Hog Creek is a wood or timber slab carrying Bell Road over Hog Creek in Branch County, Michigan. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 305 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 322 by 2024. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBell Road
CrossesHog Creek
LocationGirard Twp Sec 17
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBranch County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.04227, -85.02555
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
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating40.8 US tons
Inventory rating27.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.6 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic305 (2004)
Projected traffic322 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 proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$343,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bell Road over Hog Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bell Road over Hog Creek 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 Bell Road over Hog Creek carry?

About 305 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Bell Road over Hog Creek?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.6 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Bell Road over Hog Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.