US Bridges

Hemlock Road over Big Potato Creek

Fair

Saginaw County, Michigan · 0.4 MI N of Brant Road · Structure no. 000000000009239

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,669
2006 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hemlock Road over Big Potato Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Hemlock Road over Big Potato Creek in Saginaw County, Michigan. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 1,669 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,023 by 2032. The structure is 60 ft (18.2 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

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CarriesHemlock Road
CrossesBig Potato Creek
Location0.4 MI N of Brant Road
RouteCounty Highway 7321
CountySaginaw County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.26471, -84.22931
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65.1 US tons
Inventory rating29.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length60 ft (18.2 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,669 (2006)
Projected traffic3,023 by 2032
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Hemlock Road over Big Potato Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is Hemlock Road over Big Potato 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Hemlock Road over Big Potato Creek carry?

About 1,669 vehicles per day (2006 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Hemlock Road over Big Potato Creek?

The structure is 60 ft (18.2 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Hemlock Road over Big Potato Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.