US Bridges

Welch RD over Bear Swamp Creek

Fair

Lenawee County, Michigan · 0.1 MI W of Countyline RD · Structure no. 000000000013282

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
171
2005 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Welch RD over Bear Swamp Creek is a steel culvert carrying Welch RD over Bear Swamp Creek in Lenawee County, Michigan. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 171 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 250 by 2025. The structure is 21 ft (6.5 m) long.

Location

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CarriesWelch RD
CrossesBear Swamp Creek
Location0.1 MI W of Countyline RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLenawee County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.03877, -83.77592
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
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 inspectionFebruary 2025
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31.1 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.5 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic171 (2005)
Projected traffic250 by 2025
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$300,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Welch RD over Bear Swamp Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Welch RD over Bear Swamp 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Welch RD over Bear Swamp Creek carry?

About 171 vehicles per day (2005 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Welch RD over Bear Swamp Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.5 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns Welch RD over Bear Swamp Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.