US Bridges

Custer Road over Washburn Creek

Good

St. Joseph County, Michigan · 3 MI S of Colon · Structure no. 000000000010371

Built
2009
16 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
99
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Custer Road over Washburn Creek is a wood or timber slab carrying Custer Road over Washburn Creek in St. Joseph County, Michigan. It was built in 2009, so it is 16 years old, younger than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 99 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 125 by 2023. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCuster Road
CrossesWashburn Creek
Location3 MI S of Colon
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySt. Joseph County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.91954, -85.30971
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating104.7 US tons
Inventory rating76.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic99 (2003)
Projected traffic125 by 2023
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$241,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Custer Road over Washburn Creek built?

It was built in 2009, making it 16 years old in 2025.

What condition is Custer Road over Washburn Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does Custer Road over Washburn Creek carry?

About 99 vehicles per day (2003 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Custer Road over Washburn Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Custer Road over Washburn Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.