US Bridges

Pioneer Drive over Willow River

FairPosted for load

Huron County, Michigan · Sec. 4 Huron Twp. · Structure no. 000000000003619

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
82 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
180
2009 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pioneer Drive over Willow River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pioneer Drive over Willow River in Huron County, Michigan. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 180 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 325 by 2029. The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPioneer Drive
CrossesWillow River
LocationSec. 4 Huron Twp.
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHuron County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.02938, -82.83606
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating4.3 US tons
Inventory rating2.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length82 ft (25 m)
Longest span36 ft (10.9 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic180 (2009)
Projected traffic325 by 2029
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 Pioneer Drive over Willow River built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pioneer Drive over Willow 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Pioneer Drive over Willow River carry?

About 180 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Pioneer Drive over Willow River?

The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (10.9 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Pioneer Drive over Willow River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.