US Bridges

Race Street over Sauk(coldwater) River

Fair

Branch County, Michigan · Near Riverside Drive · Structure no. 000000000001181

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
33 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
800
1987 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Race Street over Sauk(coldwater) River is a steel culvert carrying Race Street over Sauk(coldwater) River in Branch County, Michigan. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 800 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,000 by 2011. The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRace Street
CrossesSauk(coldwater) River
LocationNear Riverside Drive
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBranch County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.93564, -85.00987
Functional classUrban 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
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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 rating38.8 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic800 (1987)
Projected traffic1,000 by 2011
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Race Street over Sauk(coldwater) River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Race Street over Sauk(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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Race Street over Sauk(coldwater) River carry?

About 800 vehicles per day (1987 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Race Street over Sauk(coldwater) River?

The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.5 m).

Who owns Race Street over Sauk(coldwater) River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.