US Bridges

Maple Block Road over Betsy River

Fair

Chippewa County, Michigan · 12 MI NW of Paradise · Structure no. 000000000001668

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
50 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
10
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Maple Block Road over Betsy River is a wood or timber slab carrying Maple Block Road over Betsy River in Chippewa County, Michigan. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 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.

It carries about 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2019. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 124.3 mi (200 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMaple Block Road
CrossesBetsy River
Location12 MI NW of Paradise
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyChippewa County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.67832, -85.18227
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating86.4 US tons
Inventory rating61.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (—)
Projected traffic20 by 2019
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 Maple Block Road over Betsy River built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is Maple Block 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 Maple Block Road over Betsy River carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is Maple Block Road over Betsy River?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Maple Block Road over Betsy River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.