US Bridges

Lovers Lane over Portage Creek

Fair

Kalamazoo County, Michigan · City of Kalamazoo · Structure no. 000000000004677

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
11,381
1997 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lovers Lane over Portage Creek is a steel culvert carrying Lovers Lane over Portage Creek in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 years old, younger 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 11,381 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,795 by 2017. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLovers Lane
CrossesPortage Creek
LocationCity of Kalamazoo
RouteCity Street 2005
CountyKalamazoo County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.24791, -85.57449
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating73.2 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,381 (1997)
Projected traffic14,795 by 2017
Trucks5%
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

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 Lovers Lane over Portage Creek built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lovers Lane 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Lovers Lane over Portage Creek carry?

About 11,381 vehicles per day (1997 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Lovers Lane over Portage Creek?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m).

Who owns Lovers Lane over Portage Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.