US Bridges

Old M-78 over Br of Battle Creek River

Good

Eaton County, Michigan · 4.2 MI NE of Bellevue · Structure no. 000000000002363

Built
1922
103 years old, rebuilt 1931
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,307
2012 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old M-78 over Br of Battle Creek River is a concrete culvert carrying Old M-78 over Br of Battle Creek River in Eaton County, Michigan. It was built in 1922 and reconstructed in 1931, so it is 103 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 1,307 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,000 by 2019. The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesOld M-78
CrossesBr of Battle Creek River
Location4.2 MI NE of Bellevue
RouteState Highway 78
Coordinates42.47654, -84.95239
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89.9 US tons
Inventory rating54 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length34 ft (10.3 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,307 (2012)
Projected traffic2,000 by 2019
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Old M-78 over Br of Battle Creek River built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1931.

What condition is Old M-78 over Br of Battle Creek 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Old M-78 over Br of Battle Creek River carry?

About 1,307 vehicles per day (2012 count).

How long is Old M-78 over Br of Battle Creek River?

The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.3 m).

Who owns Old M-78 over Br of Battle Creek River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.