US Bridges

Z Avenue over Portage Creek

FairPosted for load

Kalamazoo County, Michigan · 2.6MI S 0.9MI E of Vicks · Structure no. 000000000004647

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
53 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
131
2007 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Z Avenue over Portage Creek is a wood or timber slab carrying Z Avenue over Portage Creek in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 131 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 200 by 2024. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesZ Avenue
CrossesPortage Creek
Location2.6MI S 0.9MI E of Vicks
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKalamazoo County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.07391, -85.50685
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating32.8 US tons
Inventory rating23.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic131 (2007)
Projected traffic200 by 2024
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$271,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Z Avenue over Portage Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Z Avenue over Portage Creek 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Z Avenue over Portage Creek carry?

About 131 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Z Avenue over Portage Creek?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Z Avenue over Portage Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.