US Bridges

Meridian Road over North Br Chippewa River

Poor

Isabella County, Michigan · 50 Ft N SW Cor SE 19 T16N · Structure no. 000000000004280

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,420
2002 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Meridian Road over North Br Chippewa River is a steel culvert carrying Meridian Road over North Br Chippewa River in Isabella County, Michigan. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 years old, older than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,420 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,110 by 2022. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMeridian Road
CrossesNorth Br Chippewa River
Location50 Ft N SW Cor SE 19 T16N
RouteCounty Highway 3753
CountyIsabella County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.75643, -84.84886
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.2 US tons
Inventory rating23.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,420 (2002)
Projected traffic2,110 by 2022
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Meridian Road over North Br Chippewa River built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is Meridian Road over North Br Chippewa River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does Meridian Road over North Br Chippewa River carry?

About 1,420 vehicles per day (2002 count).

How long is Meridian Road over North Br Chippewa River?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m).

Who owns Meridian Road over North Br Chippewa River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.