US Bridges

Poplar Road over Middle Br Tobacco River

Fair

Clare County, Michigan · Sec 32 Arthur Twp · Structure no. 000000000001746

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
340
2006 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Poplar Road over Middle Br Tobacco River is a wood or timber slab carrying Poplar Road over Middle Br Tobacco River in Clare 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 340 vehicles a day, projected to reach 610 by 2026. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPoplar Road
CrossesMiddle Br Tobacco River
LocationSec 32 Arthur Twp
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyClare County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.9092, -84.69731
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: 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 rating56.1 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic340 (2006)
Projected traffic610 by 2026
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Poplar Road over Middle Br Tobacco River built?

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

What condition is Poplar Road over Middle Br Tobacco 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Poplar Road over Middle Br Tobacco River carry?

About 340 vehicles per day (2006 count).

How long is Poplar Road over Middle Br Tobacco River?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Poplar Road over Middle Br Tobacco River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.