US Bridges

West Portage Ave. over Power Canal

Fair

Chippewa County, Michigan · Sault Ste Marie · Structure no. 000000000001679

Built
1970
55 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Arch - Thru
Steel
Length
265 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,637
2015 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

West Portage Ave. over Power Canal is a steel arch - thru carrying West Portage Ave. over Power Canal in Chippewa County, Michigan. It was built in 1970 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 55 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 7,637 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,794 by 2035. The structure is 265 ft (80.8 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWest Portage Ave.
CrossesPower Canal
LocationSault Ste Marie
RouteCity Street 2019
CountyChippewa County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.49849, -84.36394
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.8 US tons
Inventory rating36.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length265 ft (80.8 m)
Longest span265 ft (80.7 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.7 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck19 ft (5.8 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,637 (2015)
Projected traffic13,794 by 2035
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 West Portage Ave. over Power Canal built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is West Portage Ave. over Power Canal 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 West Portage Ave. over Power Canal carry?

About 7,637 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is West Portage Ave. over Power Canal?

The structure is 265 ft (80.8 m) long with a longest span of 265 ft (80.7 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns West Portage Ave. over Power Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.