US Bridges

Ruth Road over Elm Creek

Fair

Huron County, Michigan · Sec. 19-20 Sherman Twp. · Structure no. 000000000003551

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1953
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,270
2009 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ruth Road over Elm Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Ruth Road over Elm Creek in Huron County, Michigan. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1953, so it is 100 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 6 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 1,270 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,290 by 2029. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRuth Road
CrossesElm Creek
LocationSec. 19-20 Sherman Twp.
RouteCounty Highway 3287
CountyHuron County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.72798, -82.74045
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.5 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.9 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,270 (2009)
Projected traffic2,290 by 2029
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Ruth Road over Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1953.

What condition is Ruth Road over Elm 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Ruth Road over Elm Creek carry?

About 1,270 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Ruth Road over Elm Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.9 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Ruth Road over Elm Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.