US Bridges

Vernon Road over South Br Chippewa River

Fair

Isabella County, Michigan · .4 M E SW Cor Sec 31 T16N · Structure no. 000000000004289

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
55 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
90
2002 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Vernon Road over South Br Chippewa River is a steel culvert carrying Vernon Road over South Br Chippewa River in Isabella County, Michigan. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 90 vehicles a day, projected to reach 135 by 2022. The structure is 55 ft (16.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesVernon Road
CrossesSouth Br Chippewa River
Location.4 M E SW Cor Sec 31 T16N
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyIsabella County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.72653, -85.07839
Functional classRural Major 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating102.8 US tons
Inventory rating61.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length55 ft (16.9 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic90 (2002)
Projected traffic135 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 Vernon Road over South Br Chippewa River built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is Vernon Road over South Br Chippewa 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 Vernon Road over South Br Chippewa River carry?

About 90 vehicles per day (2002 count).

How long is Vernon Road over South Br Chippewa River?

The structure is 55 ft (16.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m).

Who owns Vernon Road over South Br Chippewa River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.