US Bridges

Gale Road over Columbia Creek

PoorPosted for load

Ingham County, Michigan · 1 MI S & 7 MI W of Mason · Structure no. 000000000003891

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Wood or Timber
Length
36 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
250
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Gale Road over Columbia Creek is a wood or timber culvert carrying Gale Road over Columbia Creek in Ingham County, Michigan. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 250 vehicles a day, projected to reach 310 by 2039. The structure is 36 ft (10.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesGale Road
CrossesColumbia Creek
Location1 MI S & 7 MI W of Mason
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyIngham County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.564, -84.58199
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.9 US tons
Inventory rating30.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length36 ft (10.9 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2019)
Projected traffic310 by 2039
Trucks0%
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$634,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Gale Road over Columbia Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Gale Road over Columbia Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does Gale Road over Columbia Creek carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Gale Road over Columbia Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (10.9 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns Gale Road over Columbia Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.