US Bridges

Gaeth Road over Columbia Drain

FairPosted for load

Huron County, Michigan · Sec. 14 Sebewaing Twp. · Structure no. 000000000003658

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
25
2009 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Gaeth Road over Columbia Drain is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Gaeth 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 6 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 25 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 45 by 2029. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesGaeth Road
CrossesColumbia Drain
LocationSec. 14 Sebewaing Twp.
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHuron County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.72348, -83.38573
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating29.3 US tons
Inventory rating17.5 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 traffic25 (2009)
Projected traffic45 by 2029
Trucks3%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$290,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Gaeth Road over Columbia Drain built?

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

What condition is Gaeth 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 Gaeth Road over Columbia Drain carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Gaeth 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 Gaeth Road over Columbia Drain?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.