US Bridges

Route 535 over Bark River

Good

Delta County, Michigan · 10 MI SW of Escanaba · Structure no. 000000000002130

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
43 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
234
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 535 over Bark River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Route 535 over Bark River in Delta County, Michigan. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 years old, older than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 234 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 257 by 2042. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.1 mi (42 km).

CarriesRoute 535
CrossesBark River
Location10 MI SW of Escanaba
RouteCounty Highway 2115
Coordinates45.60501, -87.24782
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating84.7 US tons
Inventory rating50.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic234 (2022)
Projected traffic257 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.1 mi (42 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 Route 535 over Bark River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 535 over Bark River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does Route 535 over Bark River carry?

About 234 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Route 535 over Bark River?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Route 535 over Bark River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.