US Bridges

Stephens Road over Big Sable River

Good

Mason County, Michigan · 1 MI E 1 MI N of Freesoil · Structure no. 000000000006673

Built
2017
8 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
80 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,369
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Stephens Road over Big Sable River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Stephens Road over Big Sable River in Mason County, Michigan. It was built in 2017, so it is 8 years old, younger 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 1,369 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,851 by 2037. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesStephens Road
CrossesBig Sable River
Location1 MI E 1 MI N of Freesoil
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMason County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.11767, -86.20073
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating63.2 US tons
Inventory rating42.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,369 (2017)
Projected traffic1,851 by 2037
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Stephens Road over Big Sable River built?

It was built in 2017, making it 8 years old in 2025.

What condition is Stephens Road over Big Sable River 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 2023.

How much traffic does Stephens Road over Big Sable River carry?

About 1,369 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Stephens Road over Big Sable River?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Stephens Road over Big Sable River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.