US Bridges

County RD 438 over W Br Escanaba River

Poor

Marquette County, Michigan · 5 Miles West of CO RD 557 · Structure no. 000000000006526

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
65 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
35
2001 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County RD 438 over W Br Escanaba River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County RD 438 over W Br Escanaba River in Marquette County, Michigan. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 66 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 35 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2020. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.2 mi (47 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty RD 438
CrossesW Br Escanaba River
Location5 Miles West of CO RD 557
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMarquette County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.18438, -87.56789
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating71.8 US tons
Inventory rating43.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (2001)
Projected traffic50 by 2020
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.2 mi (47 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 RD 438 over W Br Escanaba River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is County RD 438 over W Br Escanaba 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does County RD 438 over W Br Escanaba River carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (2001 count).

How long is County RD 438 over W Br Escanaba River?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns County RD 438 over W Br Escanaba River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.