US Bridges

Betsy Tower Road over Betsy River

FairPosted for load

Chippewa County, Michigan · 15 MI NW of Paradise · Structure no. 000000000001669

Built
2004
21 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2005 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Betsy Tower Road over Betsy River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Betsy Tower Road over Betsy River in Chippewa County, Michigan. It was built in 2004, so it is 21 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 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2019. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 124.3 mi (200 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBetsy Tower Road
CrossesBetsy River
Location15 MI NW of Paradise
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyChippewa County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.67299, -85.23395
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31.1 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.9 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 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 Betsy Tower Road over Betsy River built?

It was built in 2004, making it 21 years old in 2025.

What condition is Betsy Tower 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 Betsy Tower Road over Betsy River carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2005 count).

How long is Betsy Tower Road over Betsy River?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.9 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Betsy Tower Road over Betsy River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.