US Bridges

Scenic Drive over Charlotte River

FairPosted for load

Chippewa County, Michigan · 13 MI SE of Sault Ste Mar · Structure no. 000000000001655

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
123 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2005 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Scenic Drive over Charlotte River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Scenic Drive over Charlotte River in Chippewa County, Michigan. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 6 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 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 175 by 2019. The structure is 123 ft (37.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesScenic Drive
CrossesCharlotte River
Location13 MI SE of Sault Ste Mar
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyChippewa County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.32044, -84.22527
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating57.9 US tons
Inventory rating34.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length123 ft (37.5 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2005)
Projected traffic175 by 2019
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 Scenic Drive over Charlotte River built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Scenic Drive over Charlotte 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 Scenic Drive over Charlotte River carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2005 count).

How long is Scenic Drive over Charlotte River?

The structure is 123 ft (37.5 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Scenic Drive over Charlotte River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.