US Bridges

Custer Road over Big Sauble River

Fair

Mason County, Michigan · 1.0 MI N of Freesoil · Structure no. 000000000006665

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
57 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
707
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Custer Road over Big Sauble River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Custer Road over Big Sauble River in Mason County, Michigan. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 6 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 707 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 863 by 2040. The structure is 57 ft (17.3 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCuster Road
CrossesBig Sauble River
Location1.0 MI N of Freesoil
RouteCounty Highway 5351
CountyMason County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.11911, -86.22102
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating73.2 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length57 ft (17.3 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.3 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic707 (2020)
Projected traffic863 by 2040
Trucks10%
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 Custer Road over Big Sauble River built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Custer Road over Big Sauble 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Custer Road over Big Sauble River carry?

About 707 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Custer Road over Big Sauble River?

The structure is 57 ft (17.3 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.3 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Custer Road over Big Sauble River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.