US Bridges

Old US-27 over Big Creek

Poor

Eaton County, Michigan · 2.3 MI NE of Olivet · Structure no. 000000000002364

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1975
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,466
2010 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old US-27 over Big Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Old US-27 over Big Creek in Eaton County, Michigan. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1975, so it is 89 years old, older than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 2,466 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,722 by 2035. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld US-27
CrossesBig Creek
Location2.3 MI NE of Olivet
RouteCounty Highway 23
CountyEaton County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.46886, -84.89094
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating61.1 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,466 (2010)
Projected traffic1,722 by 2035
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 US-27 over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1975.

What condition is Old US-27 over Big Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does Old US-27 over Big Creek carry?

About 2,466 vehicles per day (2010 count).

How long is Old US-27 over Big Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Old US-27 over Big Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.