US Bridges

N Main (old M-78) over Battle Creek River

Fair

Eaton County, Michigan · In Bellevue · Structure no. 000000000002439

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
101 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,891
1995 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

N Main (old M-78) over Battle Creek River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying N Main (old M-78) over Battle Creek River in Eaton County, Michigan. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 96 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 5 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 1,891 vehicles a day, projected to reach 9,130 by 2013. The structure is 101 ft (30.8 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN Main (old M-78)
CrossesBattle Creek River
LocationIn Bellevue
RouteCity Street 0
CountyEaton County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.44396, -85.01484
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating84.7 US tons
Inventory rating50.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length101 ft (30.8 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.7 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,891 (1995)
Projected traffic9,130 by 2013
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 N Main (old M-78) over Battle Creek River built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is N Main (old M-78) over Battle Creek 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does N Main (old M-78) over Battle Creek River carry?

About 1,891 vehicles per day (1995 count).

How long is N Main (old M-78) over Battle Creek River?

The structure is 101 ft (30.8 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.7 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns N Main (old M-78) over Battle Creek River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.