US Bridges

Watkins Road over Minges Brook

Fair

Calhoun County, Michigan · East of Helmer · Structure no. 000000000013907

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,000
2015 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Watkins Road over Minges Brook is a steel culvert carrying Watkins Road over Minges Brook in Calhoun County, Michigan. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 6,000 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,500 by 2035. The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesWatkins Road
CrossesMinges Brook
LocationEast of Helmer
RouteCity Street 0
CountyCalhoun County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.26831, -85.22069
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.3 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.6 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,000 (2015)
Projected traffic7,500 by 2035
Trucks2%
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

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 Watkins Road over Minges Brook built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Watkins Road over Minges Brook 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Watkins Road over Minges Brook carry?

About 6,000 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Watkins Road over Minges Brook?

The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns Watkins Road over Minges Brook?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.