US Bridges

Valley Highway over Fish Creek

Fair

Eaton County, Michigan · 2 MI W of Charlotte · Structure no. 000000000002386

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
98
2010 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Valley Highway over Fish Creek is a steel culvert carrying Valley Highway over Fish Creek in Eaton County, Michigan. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger 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 98 vehicles a day, projected to reach 200 by 2013. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesValley Highway
CrossesFish Creek
Location2 MI W of Charlotte
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEaton County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.58271, -84.89511
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating51 US tons
Inventory rating43.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic98 (2010)
Projected traffic200 by 2013
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Valley Highway over Fish Creek built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is Valley Highway over Fish Creek 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 Valley Highway over Fish Creek carry?

About 98 vehicles per day (2010 count).

How long is Valley Highway over Fish Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m).

Who owns Valley Highway over Fish Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.