US Bridges

County HWY 426 over Ford River

Fair

Dickinson County, Michigan · In Alfred · Structure no. 000000000002197

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
150
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County HWY 426 over Ford River is a concrete tee beam carrying County HWY 426 over Ford River in Dickinson County, Michigan. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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 6 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 150 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 165 by 2040. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty HWY 426
CrossesFord River
LocationIn Alfred
RouteCounty Highway 2274
CountyDickinson County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.08778, -87.63913
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating63.2 US tons
Inventory rating37.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (2020)
Projected traffic165 by 2040
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$193,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County HWY 426 over Ford River built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is County HWY 426 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does County HWY 426 over Ford River carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is County HWY 426 over Ford River?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns County HWY 426 over Ford River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.