US Bridges

Chestnut over Clam River

Poor

Wexford County, Michigan · In Cadillac · Structure no. 000000000012594

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
12,000
2004 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Chestnut over Clam River is a steel culvert carrying Chestnut over Clam River in Wexford County, Michigan. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 12,000 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,000 by 2024. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesChestnut
CrossesClam River
LocationIn Cadillac
RouteCity Street 2031
CountyWexford County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.25122, -85.41035
Functional classUrban Collector

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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.4 US tons
Inventory rating21.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,000 (2004)
Projected traffic15,000 by 2024
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$43,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Chestnut over Clam River built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is Chestnut over Clam River 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Chestnut over Clam River carry?

About 12,000 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Chestnut over Clam River?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns Chestnut over Clam River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.