US Bridges

US-31|W Mitchellst over Bear River

Fair

Emmet County, Michigan · In Petoskey (mitchell St) · Structure no. 000000000002446

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
265 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
28,667
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-31|W Mitchellst over Bear River is a concrete tee beam carrying US-31|W Mitchellst over Bear River in Emmet County, Michigan. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 28,667 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 33,554 by 2018. The structure is 265 ft (80.7 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-31|W Mitchellst
CrossesBear River
LocationIn Petoskey (mitchell St)
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyEmmet County
StateMichigan
Coordinates45.37403, -84.96052
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length265 ft (80.7 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,667 (2007)
Projected traffic33,554 by 2018
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-31|W Mitchellst over Bear River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-31|W Mitchellst over Bear 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 US-31|W Mitchellst over Bear River carry?

About 28,667 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US-31|W Mitchellst over Bear River?

The structure is 265 ft (80.7 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns US-31|W Mitchellst over Bear River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.