US Bridges

County Road 421 over Tahquamenon River

PoorPosted for load

Luce County, Michigan · Eagles Nest Camp · Structure no. 000000000005924

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
20
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 421 over Tahquamenon River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 421 over Tahquamenon River in Luce County, Michigan. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2036. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 421
CrossesTahquamenon River
LocationEagles Nest Camp
CountyLuce County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.45023, -85.80851
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating10.7 US tons
Inventory rating7.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2016)
Projected traffic50 by 2036
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 County Road 421 over Tahquamenon River built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 421 over Tahquamenon River 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 421 over Tahquamenon River carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2016 count).

How long is County Road 421 over Tahquamenon River?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 421 over Tahquamenon River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.