US Bridges

Sparta Ave over Ball Creek

Fair

Kent County, Michigan · 0.40 MI N of 15 Mile RD · Structure no. 000000000005043

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,813
2004 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sparta Ave over Ball Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Sparta Ave over Ball Creek in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 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 5,813 vehicles a day, projected to reach 9,880 by 2024. The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSparta Ave
CrossesBall Creek
Location0.40 MI N of 15 Mile RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.19573, -85.71087
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.1 US tons
Inventory rating31.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length34 ft (10.3 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,813 (2004)
Projected traffic9,880 by 2024
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sparta Ave over Ball Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sparta Ave over Ball 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Sparta Ave over Ball Creek carry?

About 5,813 vehicles per day (2004 count).

How long is Sparta Ave over Ball Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Sparta Ave over Ball Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.