US Bridges

French Road over Bach Drain

Fair

Tuscola County, Michigan · Sec 20-21 Columbia Twp · Structure no. 000000000010562

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
250
2009 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

French Road over Bach Drain is a steel culvert carrying French Road over Bach Drain in Tuscola County, Michigan. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger 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 250 vehicles a day, projected to reach 450 by 2029. The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesFrench Road
CrossesBach Drain
LocationSec 20-21 Columbia Twp
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTuscola County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.62081, -83.43206
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating96.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length25 ft (7.7 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2009)
Projected traffic450 by 2029
Trucks0%
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 French Road over Bach Drain built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is French Road over Bach 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 2023.

How much traffic does French Road over Bach Drain carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is French Road over Bach Drain?

The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.7 m).

Who owns French Road over Bach Drain?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.