US Bridges

70th Avenue over Franz Creek

Poor

Osceola County, Michigan · Highland Twp 25/26 · Structure no. 000000000013252

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
24 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
367
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

70th Avenue over Franz Creek is a steel culvert carrying 70th Avenue over Franz Creek in Osceola County, Michigan. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 years old, older than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 367 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2037. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries70th Avenue
CrossesFranz Creek
LocationHighland Twp 25/26
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyOsceola County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.08988, -85.22647
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating107.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic367 (2017)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2037
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 70th Avenue over Franz Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is 70th Avenue over Franz Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does 70th Avenue over Franz Creek carry?

About 367 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is 70th Avenue over Franz Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns 70th Avenue over Franz Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.