US Bridges

Wheaton Road over Thornapple River

FairPosted for load

Eaton County, Michigan · 2 MI S of Needmore · Structure no. 000000000002392

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
60 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
78
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wheaton Road over Thornapple River is a wood or timber slab carrying Wheaton Road over Thornapple River in Eaton County, Michigan. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 78 vehicles a day, projected to reach 240 by 2013. The structure is 60 ft (18.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWheaton Road
CrossesThornapple River
Location2 MI S of Needmore
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEaton County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.65801, -84.85642
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating86.4 US tons
Inventory rating61.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length60 ft (18.2 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic78 (2011)
Projected traffic240 by 2013
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
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 Wheaton Road over Thornapple River built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wheaton 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 Wheaton Road over Thornapple River carry?

About 78 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is Wheaton Road over Thornapple River?

The structure is 60 ft (18.2 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Wheaton Road over Thornapple River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.