US Bridges

Whites Bridge RD over Flat River

FairPosted for load

Ionia County, Michigan · 7 MI NW of Saranac · Structure no. 000000000004039

Built
1867
158 years old, rebuilt 2020
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Wood or Timber
Length
118 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
144
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Whites Bridge RD over Flat River is a wood or timber truss - thru carrying Whites Bridge RD over Flat River in Ionia County, Michigan. It was built in 1867 and reconstructed in 2020, so it is 158 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 144 vehicles a day, projected to reach 167 by 2036. The structure is 118 ft (36.1 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWhites Bridge RD
CrossesFlat River
Location7 MI NW of Saranac
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyIonia County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.01471, -85.29775
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length118 ft (36.1 m)
Longest span116 ft (35.3 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.6 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck12 ft (3.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic144 (2016)
Projected traffic167 by 2036
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Whites Bridge RD over Flat River built?

It was built in 1867, making it 158 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2020.

What condition is Whites Bridge RD over Flat River 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 Whites Bridge RD over Flat River carry?

About 144 vehicles per day (2016 count).

How long is Whites Bridge RD over Flat River?

The structure is 118 ft (36.1 m) long with a longest span of 116 ft (35.3 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Whites Bridge RD over Flat River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.