US Bridges

Route 551 over Big Cedar River

Fair

Menominee County, Michigan · 5.7 MI S of Ush 2 and 41 · Structure no. 000000000006835

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
681
1999 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 551 over Big Cedar River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Route 551 over Big Cedar River in Menominee County, Michigan. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 years old, older 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 681 vehicles a day, projected to reach 310 by 2019. The structure is 120 ft (36.5 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 551
CrossesBig Cedar River
Location5.7 MI S of Ush 2 and 41
RouteCounty Highway 5575
CountyMenominee County
StateMichigan
Coordinates45.61968, -87.36772
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.9 US tons
Inventory rating40.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length120 ft (36.5 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic681 (1999)
Projected traffic310 by 2019
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 551 over Big Cedar River built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 551 over Big Cedar 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Route 551 over Big Cedar River carry?

About 681 vehicles per day (1999 count).

How long is Route 551 over Big Cedar River?

The structure is 120 ft (36.5 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Route 551 over Big Cedar River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.