US Bridges

Bliss Road over North Shade Drain

Fair

Gratiot County, Michigan · Sec 2-3 North Shade Twp · Structure no. 000000000003227

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
126
2004 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bliss Road over North Shade Drain is a steel culvert carrying Bliss Road over North Shade Drain in Gratiot County, Michigan. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 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 126 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 155 by 2024. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesBliss Road
CrossesNorth Shade Drain
LocationSec 2-3 North Shade Twp
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyGratiot County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.19511, -84.75824
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating29.3 US tons
Inventory rating17.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic126 (2004)
Projected traffic155 by 2024
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Bliss Road over North Shade Drain built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bliss Road over North Shade Drain 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Bliss Road over North Shade Drain carry?

About 126 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Bliss Road over North Shade Drain?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m).

Who owns Bliss Road over North Shade Drain?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.