US Bridges

Aitken Road over Potts Drain

Fair

Sanilac County, Michigan · Sec 5-8 Buel Twp · Structure no. 000000000009580

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
225
2010 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Aitken Road over Potts Drain is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Aitken Road over Potts Drain in Sanilac County, Michigan. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1986, 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 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 225 vehicles a day, projected to reach 405 by 2030. The structure is 35 ft (10.8 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAitken Road
CrossesPotts Drain
LocationSec 5-8 Buel Twp
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySanilac County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.31863, -82.73745
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating87.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length35 ft (10.8 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.2 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic225 (2010)
Projected traffic405 by 2030
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Aitken Road over Potts Drain built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is Aitken Road over Potts 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Aitken Road over Potts Drain carry?

About 225 vehicles per day (2010 count).

How long is Aitken Road over Potts Drain?

The structure is 35 ft (10.8 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Aitken Road over Potts Drain?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.