US Bridges

Blanchard Road over Little Salt River

Fair

Isabella County, Michigan · In Shepherd · Structure no. 000000000004381

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
53 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,800
1997 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Blanchard Road over Little Salt River is a steel culvert carrying Blanchard Road over Little Salt River in Isabella County, Michigan. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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.

It carries about 1,800 vehicles a day, projected to reach 3,280 by 2017. The structure is 53 ft (16.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesBlanchard Road
CrossesLittle Salt River
LocationIn Shepherd
RouteCounty Highway 3716
CountyIsabella County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.52423, -84.68362
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.9 US tons
Inventory rating47.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length53 ft (16.1 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,800 (1997)
Projected traffic3,280 by 2017
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Blanchard Road over Little Salt River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is Blanchard Road over Little Salt 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Blanchard Road over Little Salt River carry?

About 1,800 vehicles per day (1997 count).

How long is Blanchard Road over Little Salt River?

The structure is 53 ft (16.1 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.8 m).

Who owns Blanchard Road over Little Salt River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.