US Bridges

Q Drive South over Nottawa Creek

FairPosted for load

Calhoun County, Michigan · 4 MI NE of Athens · Structure no. 000000000001349

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
159
1994 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Q Drive South over Nottawa Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Q Drive South over Nottawa Creek in Calhoun County, Michigan. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 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 159 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 297 by 2024. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesQ Drive South
CrossesNottawa Creek
Location4 MI NE of Athens
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCalhoun County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.12357, -85.16302
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating29.3 US tons
Inventory rating17.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic159 (1994)
Projected traffic297 by 2024
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedReplacement because of relocation of road
Estimated improvement cost$224,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Q Drive South over Nottawa Creek built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is Q Drive South over Nottawa 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Q Drive South over Nottawa Creek carry?

About 159 vehicles per day (1994 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Q Drive South over Nottawa Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Q Drive South over Nottawa Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.