US Bridges

6 Mile Road over Barnum Creek

Poor

Calhoun County, Michigan · 6 MI S of Battle Creek · Structure no. 000000000001373

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,441
1994 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

6 Mile Road over Barnum Creek is a wood or timber slab carrying 6 Mile Road over Barnum Creek in Calhoun County, Michigan. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 1,441 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,688 by 2024. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries6 Mile Road
CrossesBarnum Creek
Location6 MI S of Battle Creek
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCalhoun County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.22768, -85.17873
Functional classRural 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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.6 US tons
Inventory rating46.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,441 (1994)
Projected traffic2,688 by 2024
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$275,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 6 Mile Road over Barnum Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is 6 Mile Road over Barnum Creek 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does 6 Mile Road over Barnum Creek carry?

About 1,441 vehicles per day (1994 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is 6 Mile Road over Barnum Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns 6 Mile Road over Barnum Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.