US Bridges

Forest Road 3270 over South Branch Paint River

FairPosted for load

Iron County, Michigan · 4 MI N of Golden Lake · Structure no. 090703000001006

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
51 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

Forest Road 3270 over South Branch Paint River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Forest Road 3270 over South Branch Paint River in Iron County, Michigan. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 68 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2045. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesForest Road 3270
CrossesSouth Branch Paint River
Location4 MI N of Golden Lake
RouteFederal Lands Road 3270
CountyIron County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.22568, -88.86883
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.3 US tons
Inventory rating38.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.3 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (—)
Projected traffic75 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Forest Road 3270 over South Branch Paint River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is Forest Road 3270 over South Branch Paint 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Forest Road 3270 over South Branch Paint River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is Forest Road 3270 over South Branch Paint River?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Forest Road 3270 over South Branch Paint River?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.