US Bridges

Covered Bridge RD over Flat River

FairPosted for load

Kent County, Michigan · 0.8 MI E of Biggs Ave · Structure no. 000000000005183

Built
1871
154 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Wood or Timber
Length
98 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
122
1996 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Covered Bridge RD over Flat River is a wood or timber truss - thru carrying Covered Bridge RD over Flat River in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1871 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 154 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 122 vehicles a day, projected to reach 220 by 2016. The structure is 98 ft (29.8 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesCovered Bridge RD
CrossesFlat River
Location0.8 MI E of Biggs Ave
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.98044, -85.32664
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating3 US tons
Inventory rating2.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length98 ft (29.8 m)
Longest span96 ft (29.2 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck10 ft (3.1 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic122 (1996)
Projected traffic220 by 2016
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Covered Bridge RD over Flat River built?

It was built in 1871, making it 154 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is Covered Bridge RD over Flat 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Covered Bridge RD over Flat River carry?

About 122 vehicles per day (1996 count).

How long is Covered Bridge RD over Flat River?

The structure is 98 ft (29.8 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.2 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Covered Bridge RD over Flat River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.