US Bridges

Sperry Road over Belle River

Fair

St. Clair County, Michigan · Sec. 10-11 Berlin Twp. · Structure no. 000000000010117

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 2023
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
80 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
245
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sperry Road over Belle River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sperry Road over Belle River in St. Clair County, Michigan. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 2023, so it is 77 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.

It carries about 245 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 364 by 2042. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesSperry Road
CrossesBelle River
LocationSec. 10-11 Berlin Twp.
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySt. Clair County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.96154, -82.90554
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
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.4 US tons
Inventory rating43.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic245 (2022)
Projected traffic364 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$10,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sperry Road over Belle River built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2023.

What condition is Sperry Road over Belle 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 2023.

How much traffic does Sperry Road over Belle River carry?

About 245 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Sperry Road over Belle River?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Sperry Road over Belle River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.