US Bridges

Sterling Road over Sand Creek

Fair

Hillsdale County, Michigan · 0.7 Mile West of M-49 · Structure no. 000000000003302

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
465
2013 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sterling Road over Sand Creek is a steel culvert carrying Sterling Road over Sand Creek in Hillsdale County, Michigan. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 465 vehicles a day, projected to reach 763 by 2038. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSterling Road
CrossesSand Creek
Location0.7 Mile West of M-49
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHillsdale County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.01471, -84.77154
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
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 2024
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating71.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span13 ft (3.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic465 (2013)
Projected traffic763 by 2038
Trucks0%
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 Sterling Road over Sand Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sterling Road over Sand Creek 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 2024.

How much traffic does Sterling Road over Sand Creek carry?

About 465 vehicles per day (2013 count).

How long is Sterling Road over Sand Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (3.9 m).

Who owns Sterling Road over Sand Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.