US Bridges

Polegate RD over Molasses River

FairPosted for load

Gladwin County, Michigan · 61 Rods E of Herner RD · Structure no. 000000000002937

Built
1918
107 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
155
2000 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Polegate RD over Molasses River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Polegate RD over Molasses River in Gladwin County, Michigan. It was built in 1918 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 107 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 155 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 170 by 2020. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesPolegate RD
CrossesMolasses River
Location61 Rods E of Herner RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyGladwin County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.02619, -84.22259
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating27.1 US tons
Inventory rating16.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.4 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.7 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic155 (2000)
Projected traffic170 by 2020
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$260,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Polegate RD over Molasses River built?

It was built in 1918, making it 107 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is Polegate RD over Molasses 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Polegate RD over Molasses River carry?

About 155 vehicles per day (2000 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Polegate RD over Molasses River?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.4 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Polegate RD over Molasses River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.