US Bridges

Potter Road over Big Bear Creek

Fair

Manistee County, Michigan · 5 Miles East of Bear Lk · Structure no. 000000000006463

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
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

Potter Road over Big Bear Creek is a steel culvert carrying Potter Road over Big Bear Creek in Manistee County, Michigan. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 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 200 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 250 by 2018. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPotter Road
CrossesBig Bear Creek
Location5 Miles East of Bear Lk
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyManistee County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.41352, -86.04939
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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating87.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (1993)
Projected traffic250 by 2018
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Potter Road over Big Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Potter Road over Big Bear 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 May 2024.

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

About 200 vehicles per day (1993 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Potter Road over Big Bear Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns Potter Road over Big Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.