US Bridges

Mead Road over Ford River

Fair

Marquette County, Michigan · 3.3 MI S of CR 426 · Structure no. 000000000013718

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
84 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
10
2013 count
Owner
State
Other State Agency

About this bridge

Mead Road over Ford River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mead Road over Ford River in Marquette County, Michigan. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 10 by 2033. The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 198.8 mi (320 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMead Road
CrossesFord River
Location3.3 MI S of CR 426
RouteState Lands Road 0
CountyMarquette County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.02953, -87.53692
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating92.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length84 ft (25.6 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.3 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width10 ft (3.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2013)
Projected traffic10 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed198.8 mi (320 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerOther State Agency
Maintained byOther State 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 Mead Road over Ford River built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mead Road over Ford River 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Mead Road over Ford River carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2013 count).

How long is Mead Road over Ford River?

The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.3 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Mead Road over Ford River?

It is owned by the Other State Agency.