US-41 over Backwater Portage River
FairHoughton County, Michigan · 2.7 MI SE of Chassel · Structure no. 000000000003401
- Built
- 1929
- 96 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected July 2023
- Type
- Slab
- Concrete
- Length
- 28 ft
- 2 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 3,883
- 2007 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
US-41 over Backwater Portage River is a concrete slab carrying US-41 over Backwater Portage River in Houghton County, Michigan. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 3,883 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,337 by 2018. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was US-41 over Backwater Portage River built?
It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.
What condition is US-41 over Backwater Portage 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-41 over Backwater Portage River carry?
About 3,883 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.
How long is US-41 over Backwater Portage River?
The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.
Who owns US-41 over Backwater Portage River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.