US Bridges

Lakeshore Drive over Pumped Storage Penstocks

Good

Mason County, Michigan · 4 MI S of Ludington · Structure no. 000000000006660

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
872 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
1,400
1997 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lakeshore Drive over Pumped Storage Penstocks is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Lakeshore Drive over Pumped Storage Penstocks in Mason County, Michigan. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 years old, older than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,400 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,000 by 2017. The structure is 872 ft (265.8 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

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CarriesLakeshore Drive
CrossesPumped Storage Penstocks
Location4 MI S of Ludington
RouteCounty Highway 5317
CountyMason County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.89312, -86.44253
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating83.2 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length872 ft (265.8 m)
Longest span109 ft (33.2 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,400 (1997)
Projected traffic2,000 by 2017
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesOther
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Lakeshore Drive over Pumped Storage Penstocks built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lakeshore Drive over Pumped Storage Penstocks in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does Lakeshore Drive over Pumped Storage Penstocks carry?

About 1,400 vehicles per day (1997 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Lakeshore Drive over Pumped Storage Penstocks?

The structure is 872 ft (265.8 m) long with a longest span of 109 ft (33.2 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Lakeshore Drive over Pumped Storage Penstocks?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.