US Bridges

Meridian Road over North Br Chippewa River

Fair

Isabella County, Michigan · Sec 31 W Vernon Twp · Structure no. 000000000004377

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
246
2002 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Meridian Road over North Br Chippewa River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Meridian Road over North Br Chippewa River in Isabella County, Michigan. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 246 vehicles a day, projected to reach 300 by 2022. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMeridian Road
CrossesNorth Br Chippewa River
LocationSec 31 W Vernon Twp
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyIsabella County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.73907, -84.84859
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
Deck geometry4: 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 rating54.1 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic246 (2002)
Projected traffic300 by 2022
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$150,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Meridian Road over North Br Chippewa River built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

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

About 246 vehicles per day (2002 count).

How long is Meridian Road over North Br Chippewa River?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Meridian Road over North Br Chippewa River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.