US Bridges

Stilson Road over Mcdonald Drain

Poor

Sanilac County, Michigan · Sec 9-16 Elk Twp · Structure no. 000000000009596

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
201
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Stilson Road over Mcdonald Drain is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Stilson Road over Mcdonald Drain in Sanilac County, Michigan. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 years old, older than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 201 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 363 by 2034. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesStilson Road
CrossesMcdonald Drain
LocationSec 9-16 Elk Twp
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySanilac County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.30162, -82.84242
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating86.8 US tons
Inventory rating51.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic201 (2014)
Projected traffic363 by 2034
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Stilson Road over Mcdonald Drain built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Stilson Road over Mcdonald Drain in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does Stilson Road over Mcdonald Drain carry?

About 201 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Stilson Road over Mcdonald Drain?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Stilson Road over Mcdonald Drain?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.