US Bridges

Route 537 over Ford River

FairPosted for load

Delta County, Michigan · 8 MI W of Escanaba · Structure no. 000000000002134

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
106 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
219
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 537 over Ford River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 537 over Ford River in Delta County, Michigan. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 219 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 241 by 2042. The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 537
CrossesFord River
Location8 MI W of Escanaba
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDelta County
StateMichigan
Coordinates45.76879, -87.23368
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.7 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length106 ft (32.3 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic219 (2022)
Projected traffic241 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 537 over Ford River built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 537 over Ford 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Route 537 over Ford River carry?

About 219 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Route 537 over Ford River?

The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Route 537 over Ford River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.