US Bridges

Old US-131 over Tamarack CR

FairPosted for load

Montcalm County, Michigan · In Howard City · Structure no. 000000000007534

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1977
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,200
2003 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old US-131 over Tamarack CR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Old US-131 over Tamarack CR in Montcalm County, Michigan. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1977, so it is 97 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 8,200 vehicles a day, projected to reach 12,250 by 2024. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld US-131
CrossesTamarack CR
LocationIn Howard City
RouteCounty Highway 131
CountyMontcalm County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.40095, -85.46871
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.9 US tons
Inventory rating41.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.1 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,200 (2003)
Projected traffic12,250 by 2024
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Old US-131 over Tamarack CR built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1977.

What condition is Old US-131 over Tamarack CR 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Old US-131 over Tamarack CR carry?

About 8,200 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is Old US-131 over Tamarack CR?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns Old US-131 over Tamarack CR?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.