US Bridges

Gettel Road over Columbia Drain

FairPosted for load

Huron County, Michigan · Sec. 10-11 Sebewaing Twp. · Structure no. 000000000003657

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2009 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Gettel Road over Columbia Drain is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Gettel Road over Columbia Drain in Huron County, Michigan. It was built in 1927, so it is 98 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 180 by 2029. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesGettel Road
CrossesColumbia Drain
LocationSec. 10-11 Sebewaing Twp.
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHuron County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.72726, -83.39595
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating29.7 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2009)
Projected traffic180 by 2029
Trucks1%
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 Gettel Road over Columbia Drain built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025.

What condition is Gettel Road over Columbia 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Gettel Road over Columbia Drain carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Gettel Road over Columbia Drain?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Gettel Road over Columbia Drain?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.