US Bridges

Pickard Road over Chippewa River

FairPosted for load

Isabella County, Michigan · .26 M W SE Cor Sec 7 T14N · Structure no. 000000000004338

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
78 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,616
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pickard Road over Chippewa River is a wood or timber slab carrying Pickard Road over Chippewa River in Isabella County, Michigan. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,616 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,972 by 2035. The structure is 78 ft (23.7 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPickard Road
CrossesChippewa River
Location.26 M W SE Cor Sec 7 T14N
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyIsabella County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.61134, -84.95345
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating47.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length78 ft (23.7 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,616 (2015)
Projected traffic1,972 by 2035
Trucks4%
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 Pickard Road over Chippewa River built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pickard Road over 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 Pickard Road over Chippewa River carry?

About 1,616 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Pickard Road over Chippewa River?

The structure is 78 ft (23.7 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Pickard Road over Chippewa River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.