US Bridges

Whitefish Road over Betsy River

Fair

Chippewa County, Michigan · 3 MI N of Paradise · Structure no. 000000000001620

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
64 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
358
1986 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Whitefish Road over Betsy River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Whitefish Road over Betsy River in Chippewa County, Michigan. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 358 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 625 by 2019. The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 124.9 mi (201 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWhitefish Road
CrossesBetsy River
Location3 MI N of Paradise
RouteCounty Highway 1715
CountyChippewa County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.6754, -85.0335
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.8 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length64 ft (19.5 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.9 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic358 (1986)
Projected traffic625 by 2019
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed124.9 mi (201 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 Whitefish Road over Betsy River built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Whitefish Road over Betsy River 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Whitefish Road over Betsy River carry?

About 358 vehicles per day (1986 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Whitefish Road over Betsy River?

The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.9 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Whitefish Road over Betsy River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.