US Bridges

Sixth Avenue over Dead Creek

FairPosted for load

Iosco County, Michigan · Tawas City · Structure no. 000000000004161

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Wood or Timber
Length
40 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,860
2006 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sixth Avenue over Dead Creek is a wood or timber girder and floorbeam system carrying Sixth Avenue over Dead Creek in Iosco County, Michigan. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 2,860 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5,200 by 2026. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSixth Avenue
CrossesDead Creek
LocationTawas City
RouteCity Street 0
CountyIosco County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.26607, -83.52385
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
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating81.5 US tons
Inventory rating60 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,860 (2006)
Projected traffic5,200 by 2026
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Sixth Avenue over Dead Creek built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sixth Avenue over Dead 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Sixth Avenue over Dead Creek carry?

About 2,860 vehicles per day (2006 count).

How long is Sixth Avenue over Dead Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Sixth Avenue over Dead Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.