US Bridges

Mcdougal Road over Bear River

Fair

Emmet County, Michigan · Sec 16&17 Bear Creek Twp. · Structure no. 000000000012801

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,248
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mcdougal Road over Bear River is a steel culvert carrying Mcdougal Road over Bear River in Emmet County, Michigan. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 2,248 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,372 by 2023. The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesMcdougal Road
CrossesBear River
LocationSec 16&17 Bear Creek Twp.
RouteCounty Highway 81
CountyEmmet County
StateMichigan
Coordinates45.3389, -84.9351
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.6 US tons
Inventory rating38.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.6 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,248 (2003)
Projected traffic3,372 by 2023
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Mcdougal Road over Bear River built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mcdougal Road 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Mcdougal Road over Bear River carry?

About 2,248 vehicles per day (2003 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Mcdougal Road over Bear River?

The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns Mcdougal Road over Bear River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.