US Bridges

Y Avenue over Bear Creek

PoorPosted for load

Kalamazoo County, Michigan · 1.8MI S 3.1MI E of Vicks · Structure no. 000000000004649

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Wood or Timber
Length
22 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
57
2007 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Y Avenue over Bear Creek is a wood or timber culvert carrying Y Avenue over Bear Creek in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 years old, older than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 57 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 85 by 2027. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesY Avenue
CrossesBear Creek
Location1.8MI S 3.1MI E of Vicks
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKalamazoo County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.08559, -85.46491
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.9 US tons
Inventory rating41.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic57 (2007)
Projected traffic85 by 2027
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$361,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Y Avenue over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Y Avenue over Bear Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does Y Avenue over Bear Creek carry?

About 57 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Y Avenue over Bear Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.6 m).

Who owns Y Avenue over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.