US Bridges

Shephard Road over Elk Creek Drain

Fair

Sanilac County, Michigan · Sec 10-11 Maple Valleytwp · Structure no. 000000000009543

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,600
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Shephard Road over Elk Creek Drain is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Shephard Road over Elk Creek Drain in Sanilac County, Michigan. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 1,600 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,890 by 2036. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesShephard Road
CrossesElk Creek Drain
LocationSec 10-11 Maple Valleytwp
RouteCounty Highway 7433
CountySanilac County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.2229, -82.92098
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.1 US tons
Inventory rating45.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,600 (2016)
Projected traffic2,890 by 2036
Trucks10%
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$8,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Shephard Road over Elk Creek Drain built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Shephard Road over Elk Creek Drain 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Shephard Road over Elk Creek Drain carry?

About 1,600 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Shephard Road over Elk Creek Drain?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Shephard Road over Elk Creek Drain?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.