US Bridges

Forest Road 5250 over M Br Ontonagon River

FairPosted for load

Ontonagon County, Michigan · 6 MI N 5 MI E of Watersm · Structure no. 090706000001015

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
51 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

Forest Road 5250 over M Br Ontonagon River is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Forest Road 5250 over M Br Ontonagon River in Ontonagon County, Michigan. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 71 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 6 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2045. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 17.4 mi (28 km).

Location

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CarriesForest Road 5250
CrossesM Br Ontonagon River
Location6 MI N 5 MI E of Watersm
RouteFederal Lands Road 5250
CountyOntonagon County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.35664, -89.07682
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating18.2 US tons
Inventory rating14.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 15
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.6 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (—)
Projected traffic75 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed17.4 mi (28 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Forest Road 5250 over M Br Ontonagon River built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is Forest Road 5250 over M Br Ontonagon River 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Forest Road 5250 over M Br Ontonagon River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is Forest Road 5250 over M Br Ontonagon River?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Forest Road 5250 over M Br Ontonagon River?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.