US Bridges

Willow Brook Road over Sauk River

Poor

Branch County, Michigan · Coldwater Twp Sec 26 · Structure no. 000000000012808

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Wood or Timber
Length
22 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
420
2004 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Willow Brook Road over Sauk River is a wood or timber culvert carrying Willow Brook Road over Sauk River in Branch County, Michigan. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 4 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.

It carries about 420 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 470 by 2024. The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWillow Brook Road
CrossesSauk River
LocationColdwater Twp Sec 26
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBranch County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.92453, -84.97108
Functional classUrban Local

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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating20.7 US tons
Inventory rating13.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length22 ft (6.6 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 traffic420 (2004)
Projected traffic470 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Willow Brook Road over Sauk River built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is Willow Brook Road over Sauk 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 Willow Brook Road over Sauk River carry?

About 420 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Willow Brook Road over Sauk River?

The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m).

Who owns Willow Brook Road over Sauk River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.