US Bridges

Benton Road over Thornapple River

Fair

Eaton County, Michigan · 4.5 MI NW of Potterville · Structure no. 000000000002373

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
45 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
123
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Benton Road over Thornapple River is a wood or timber slab carrying Benton Road over Thornapple River in Eaton County, Michigan. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 123 vehicles a day, projected to reach 200 by 2013. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBenton Road
CrossesThornapple River
Location4.5 MI NW of Potterville
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEaton County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.65824, -84.81752
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic123 (2011)
Projected traffic200 by 2013
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Benton Road over Thornapple River built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is Benton Road over Thornapple 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Benton Road over Thornapple River carry?

About 123 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is Benton Road over Thornapple River?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Benton Road over Thornapple River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.