US Bridges

US-31 NB over Buchanan Road

Fair

Oceana County, Michigan · 1.5 MI NW of Shelby · Structure no. 000000000008349

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
121 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,500
2012 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-31 NB over Buchanan Road is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-31 NB over Buchanan Road in Oceana County, Michigan. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 8,500 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,122 by 2018. The structure is 121 ft (37 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-31 NB
CrossesBuchanan Road
Location1.5 MI NW of Shelby
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyOceana County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.63144, -86.39289
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating102.2 US tons
Inventory rating61.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length121 ft (37 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,500 (2012)
Projected traffic7,122 by 2018
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$173,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-31 NB over Buchanan Road built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-31 NB over Buchanan Road 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US-31 NB over Buchanan Road carry?

About 8,500 vehicles per day (2012 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US-31 NB over Buchanan Road?

The structure is 121 ft (37 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US-31 NB over Buchanan Road?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.