US Bridges

194th Ave over Braton Creek

Fair

Oceana County, Michigan · 3.0 MI SW of Hesperia · Structure no. 000000000008378

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
452
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

194th Ave over Braton Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 194th Ave over Braton Creek in Oceana County, Michigan. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 452 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 552 by 2041. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries194th Ave
CrossesBraton Creek
Location3.0 MI SW of Hesperia
RouteCounty Highway 6491
CountyOceana County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.53921, -86.07862
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating55.7 US tons
Inventory rating33.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width59 ft (18 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic452 (2021)
Projected traffic552 by 2041
Trucks7%
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 194th Ave over Braton Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is 194th Ave over Braton 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does 194th Ave over Braton Creek carry?

About 452 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is 194th Ave over Braton Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns 194th Ave over Braton Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.