US Bridges

Ruth Road over Smith Drain

Fair

Huron County, Michigan · Sec. 17-18 Sherman Twp. · Structure no. 000000000003552

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,230
2009 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ruth Road over Smith Drain is a concrete slab carrying Ruth Road over Smith Drain in Huron County, Michigan. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 1,230 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,220 by 2029. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRuth Road
CrossesSmith Drain
LocationSec. 17-18 Sherman Twp.
RouteCounty Highway 3287
CountyHuron County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.74325, -82.74077
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating58.2 US tons
Inventory rating34.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,230 (2009)
Projected traffic2,220 by 2029
Trucks—
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 Smith Drain built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ruth Road over Smith 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Ruth Road over Smith Drain carry?

About 1,230 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is Ruth Road over Smith Drain?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Ruth Road over Smith Drain?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.