US Bridges

Springvale Road over Bear River

Poor

Charlevoix County, Michigan · Melrose Twp Sec 10 & 15 · Structure no. 000000000012961

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Aluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
Length
29 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,280
2013 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Springvale Road over Bear River is a aluminum, wrought iron, or cast iron culvert carrying Springvale Road over Bear River in Charlevoix County, Michigan. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 1,280 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,602 by 2035. The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesSpringvale Road
CrossesBear River
LocationMelrose Twp Sec 10 & 15
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCharlevoix County
StateMichigan
Coordinates45.26181, -84.89612
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 24 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.7 US tons
Inventory rating30.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialAluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.7 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,280 (2013)
Projected traffic2,602 by 2035
Trucks0%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Springvale Road over Bear River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Springvale Road over Bear 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 Springvale Road over Bear River carry?

About 1,280 vehicles per day (2013 count).

How long is Springvale Road over Bear River?

The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns Springvale Road over Bear River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.