US Bridges

County Road H 42 over Rapid River

Fair

Delta County, Michigan · 10.5 M N 1.5 M W Rapid Ri · Structure no. 000000000002143

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Frame
Steel Continuous
Length
66 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
21
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road H 42 over Rapid River is a steel continuous frame carrying County Road H 42 over Rapid River in Delta County, Michigan. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 61 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 21 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 25 by 2041. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123 mi (198 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road H 42
CrossesRapid River
Location10.5 M N 1.5 M W Rapid Ri
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDelta County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.07787, -86.99286
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating22.8 US tons
Inventory rating13.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.7 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21 (2021)
Projected traffic25 by 2041
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123 mi (198 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$50,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road H 42 over Rapid River built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is County Road H 42 over Rapid 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does County Road H 42 over Rapid River carry?

About 21 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is County Road H 42 over Rapid River?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.7 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns County Road H 42 over Rapid River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.