US Bridges

Nickle Plate RD over Prairie Creek

Fair

Ionia County, Michigan · 3 MI N M21 & 3.4 MI E M66 · Structure no. 000000000004028

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
47 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
589
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nickle Plate RD over Prairie Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nickle Plate RD over Prairie Creek in Ionia County, Michigan. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 589 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 636 by 2036. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNickle Plate RD
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location3 MI N M21 & 3.4 MI E M66
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyIonia County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.03092, -85.01147
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.1 US tons
Inventory rating33.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic589 (2016)
Projected traffic636 by 2036
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 Nickle Plate RD over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nickle Plate RD over Prairie 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 Nickle Plate RD over Prairie Creek carry?

About 589 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Nickle Plate RD over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Nickle Plate RD over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.