US Bridges

Buhl Road over Rock Falls Creek

Fair

Huron County, Michigan · Sec. 21-22 Sand Beach Twp · Structure no. 000000000003642

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
320
2009 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Buhl Road over Rock Falls Creek is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Buhl Road over Rock Falls Creek in Huron County, Michigan. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 62 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 320 vehicles a day, projected to reach 575 by 2029. The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBuhl Road
CrossesRock Falls Creek
LocationSec. 21-22 Sand Beach Twp
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHuron County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.80714, -82.70246
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating47.5 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length38 ft (11.5 m)
Longest span36 ft (10.9 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic320 (2009)
Projected traffic575 by 2029
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 Buhl Road over Rock Falls Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is Buhl Road over Rock Falls 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Buhl Road over Rock Falls Creek carry?

About 320 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is Buhl Road over Rock Falls Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (10.9 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Buhl Road over Rock Falls Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.