US Bridges

Melvin Road over Elk Creek Drain

Fair

Sanilac County, Michigan · Sec 29-30 Elk Twp · Structure no. 000000000009545

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
565
2010 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Melvin Road over Elk Creek Drain is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Melvin Road over Elk Creek Drain in Sanilac County, Michigan. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 565 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,020 by 2030. The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMelvin Road
CrossesElk Creek Drain
LocationSec 29-30 Elk Twp
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySanilac County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.26061, -82.86687
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.9 US tons
Inventory rating34.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.9 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic565 (2010)
Projected traffic1,020 by 2030
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$901,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Melvin Road over Elk Creek Drain built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is Melvin 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 June 2024.

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

About 565 vehicles per day (2010 count).

How long is Melvin Road over Elk Creek Drain?

The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Melvin Road over Elk Creek Drain?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.