US Bridges

Tow Road over Fish Creek

FairPosted for load

Montcalm County, Michigan · 0.20 South of Sidney Road · Structure no. 000000000007503

Built
1895
130 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2010 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Tow Road over Fish Creek is a wood or timber slab carrying Tow Road over Fish Creek in Montcalm County, Michigan. It was built in 1895 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 130 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 45 by 2030. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTow Road
CrossesFish Creek
Location0.20 South of Sidney Road
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMontcalm County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.24872, -84.97253
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: 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 alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating41.1 US tons
Inventory rating28.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2010)
Projected traffic45 by 2030
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 Tow Road over Fish Creek built?

It was built in 1895, making it 130 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is Tow Road over Fish Creek 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Tow Road over Fish Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2010 count).

How long is Tow Road over Fish Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Tow Road over Fish Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.