US Bridges

Stephan Bridge RD over Au Sable River

FairPosted for load

Crawford County, Michigan · 7.0 MI NE of Grayling · Structure no. 000000000002067

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
61 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
560
2013 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Stephan Bridge RD over Au Sable River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Stephan Bridge RD over Au Sable River in Crawford County, Michigan. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 125 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 560 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,073 by 2035. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesStephan Bridge RD
CrossesAu Sable River
Location7.0 MI NE of Grayling
RouteCounty Highway 2055
CountyCrawford County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.67963, -84.5772
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 rating27.9 US tons
Inventory rating16.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 15
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic560 (2013)
Projected traffic1,073 by 2035
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$33,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Stephan Bridge RD over Au Sable River built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is Stephan Bridge RD over Au Sable 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Stephan Bridge RD over Au Sable River carry?

About 560 vehicles per day (2013 count).

How long is Stephan Bridge RD over Au Sable River?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Stephan Bridge RD over Au Sable River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.