US Bridges

Waiska River Trail over Spile Dam

Fair

Chippewa County, Michigan · 5 MI SE of Raco · Structure no. 000000000001656

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
38 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
10
2005 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Waiska River Trail over Spile Dam is a steel culvert carrying Waiska River Trail over Spile Dam in Chippewa County, Michigan. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2019. The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 124.3 mi (200 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWaiska River Trail
CrossesSpile Dam
Location5 MI SE of Raco
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyChippewa County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.32578, -84.67635
Functional classRural 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating21.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length38 ft (11.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2005)
Projected traffic20 by 2019
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed124.3 mi (200 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 Waiska River Trail over Spile Dam built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is Waiska River Trail over Spile Dam 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 Waiska River Trail over Spile Dam carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2005 count).

How long is Waiska River Trail over Spile Dam?

The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns Waiska River Trail over Spile Dam?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.