US Bridges

Route 533 over Ford River

Fair

Delta County, Michigan · 6 Miles W of Escanaba · Structure no. 000000000002135

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
120 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,487
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 533 over Ford River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 533 over Ford River in Delta County, Michigan. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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.

It carries about 1,487 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,636 by 2042. The structure is 120 ft (36.5 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 533
CrossesFord River
Location6 Miles W of Escanaba
RouteCounty Highway 2129
CountyDelta County
StateMichigan
Coordinates45.7551, -87.20261
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.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.7 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length120 ft (36.5 m)
Longest span59 ft (17.9 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,487 (2022)
Projected traffic1,636 by 2042
Trucks6%
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 533 over Ford River built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 533 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 2023.

How much traffic does Route 533 over Ford River carry?

About 1,487 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Route 533 over Ford River?

The structure is 120 ft (36.5 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (17.9 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Route 533 over Ford River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.