US Bridges

Kerry Road over Big Bear Creek

Poor

Manistee County, Michigan · 7 Miles East of US 31 · Structure no. 000000000006459

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
200
1993 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Kerry Road over Big Bear Creek is a steel culvert carrying Kerry Road over Big Bear Creek in Manistee County, Michigan. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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.

It carries about 200 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 220 by 2018. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKerry Road
CrossesBig Bear Creek
Location7 Miles East of US 31
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyManistee County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.32707, -86.03802
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
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating107.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (1993)
Projected traffic220 by 2018
Trucks5%
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 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 Kerry Road over Big Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Kerry Road over Big Bear Creek 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Kerry Road over Big Bear Creek carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (1993 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Kerry Road over Big Bear Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m).

Who owns Kerry Road over Big Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.