US Bridges

Prairie Creek Road over Prairie Creek

FairPosted for load

Ionia County, Michigan · 1.0 MI E 0.5 MI N Ionia · Structure no. 000000000004069

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
104 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
227
2008 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Prairie Creek Road over Prairie Creek is a wood or timber slab carrying Prairie Creek Road over Prairie Creek in Ionia County, Michigan. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 years old, younger 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 227 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 264 by 2028. The structure is 104 ft (31.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPrairie Creek Road
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location1.0 MI E 0.5 MI N Ionia
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyIonia County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.00434, -85.02495
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating40.7 US tons
Inventory rating27.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length104 ft (31.7 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic227 (2008)
Projected traffic264 by 2028
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 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 Prairie Creek Road over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is Prairie Creek Road 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 2024.

How much traffic does Prairie Creek Road over Prairie Creek carry?

About 227 vehicles per day (2008 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Prairie Creek Road over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 104 ft (31.7 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Prairie Creek Road over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.