US Bridges

Clay Street over Sauk (coldwater) River

FairPosted for load

Branch County, Michigan · In Coldwater · Structure no. 000000000001185

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,800
1989 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Clay Street over Sauk (coldwater) River is a concrete tee beam carrying Clay Street over Sauk (coldwater) River in Branch County, Michigan. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,800 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,300 by 2011. The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesClay Street
CrossesSauk (coldwater) River
LocationIn Coldwater
RouteCity Street 2035
CountyBranch County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.93288, -85.00525
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.8 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length40 ft (12.3 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,800 (1989)
Projected traffic2,300 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 Clay Street over Sauk (coldwater) River built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is Clay 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 Clay Street over Sauk (coldwater) River carry?

About 1,800 vehicles per day (1989 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

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

The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Clay Street over Sauk (coldwater) River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.