US Bridges

Sullivan Creek Tr. over Black Creek

FairPosted for load

Chippewa County, Michigan · 8 MI NW of Rudyard · Structure no. 091004000001049

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
54 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
1998 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

Sullivan Creek Tr. over Black Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sullivan Creek Tr. over Black Creek in Chippewa County, Michigan. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2018. The structure is 54 ft (16.6 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.3 mi (60 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSullivan Creek Tr.
CrossesBlack Creek
Location8 MI NW of Rudyard
RouteFederal Lands Road 3131
CountyChippewa County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.26853, -84.71792
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating27.1 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length54 ft (16.6 m)
Longest span23 ft (6.9 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (1998)
Projected traffic50 by 2018
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed37.3 mi (60 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$19,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sullivan Creek Tr. over Black Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sullivan Creek Tr. over Black Creek 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Sullivan Creek Tr. over Black Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (1998 count).

How long is Sullivan Creek Tr. over Black Creek?

The structure is 54 ft (16.6 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (6.9 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Sullivan Creek Tr. over Black Creek?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.