US Bridges

Swede Road over Herner Drain

Fair

Midland County, Michigan · Mills Twp Sec 10/11 · Structure no. 000000000013922

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
275
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Swede Road over Herner Drain is a steel culvert carrying Swede Road over Herner Drain in Midland County, Michigan. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 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 275 vehicles a day, projected to reach 320 by 2035. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSwede Road
CrossesHerner Drain
LocationMills Twp Sec 10/11
RouteCounty Highway 5681
CountyMidland County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.8069, -84.20786
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating107.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic275 (2015)
Projected traffic320 by 2035
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Swede Road over Herner Drain built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Swede Road over Herner Drain 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Swede Road over Herner Drain carry?

About 275 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is Swede Road over Herner Drain?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m).

Who owns Swede Road over Herner Drain?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.