US Bridges

Dutcher Road over Northwest Drain

FairPosted for load

Tuscola County, Michigan · Sec 1-12 Gilford Twp · Structure no. 000000000010598

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
105
2009 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Dutcher Road over Northwest Drain is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Dutcher Road over Northwest Drain in Tuscola County, Michigan. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 105 vehicles a day, projected to reach 190 by 2029. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesDutcher Road
CrossesNorthwest Drain
LocationSec 1-12 Gilford Twp
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyTuscola County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.55203, -83.59801
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.3 US tons
Inventory rating20.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span36 ft (11.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic105 (2009)
Projected traffic190 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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$235,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Dutcher Road over Northwest Drain built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is Dutcher Road over Northwest 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 Dutcher Road over Northwest Drain carry?

About 105 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is Dutcher Road over Northwest Drain?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Dutcher Road over Northwest Drain?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.