US Bridges

72nd Avenue over W Branch Paw Paw River

FairPosted for load

Van Buren County, Michigan · 2.5 MI W of Lawton · Structure no. 000000000010780

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
525
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

72nd Avenue over W Branch Paw Paw River is a wood or timber slab carrying 72nd Avenue over W Branch Paw Paw River in Van Buren County, Michigan. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 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 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 525 vehicles a day, projected to reach 773 by 2023. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries72nd Avenue
CrossesW Branch Paw Paw River
Location2.5 MI W of Lawton
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyVan Buren County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.15723, -85.9085
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.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
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 rating47.5 US tons
Inventory rating33.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic525 (2003)
Projected traffic773 by 2023
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 72nd Avenue over W Branch Paw Paw River built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025.

What condition is 72nd Avenue over W Branch Paw Paw River 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does 72nd Avenue over W Branch Paw Paw River carry?

About 525 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is 72nd Avenue over W Branch Paw Paw River?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns 72nd Avenue over W Branch Paw Paw River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.