Fun fact: Covered bridges were roofed to protect the wood, not the travelers.
Fun fact: Covered bridges were roofed to protect the wood, not the travelers.
Did you know? The oldest bridge in the NBI was built in 1697.
over E CHANNEL SAGINAW RIVER
IN BAY CITY (LAFAYETTE AV
Parametric wireframe generated from real NBI dimensions. Drag to rotate, scroll to zoom.
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This bridge has a Poor overall condition rating of 3 out of 9. This bridge is classified as being in poor condition, meaning one or more structural components have significant deterioration. Poor condition does not mean the bridge is unsafe to drive on, but it does mean repairs or replacement may be needed.
The bridge carries 16,380 vehicles per day and is 88 years old (reconstructed in 2005).
Its sufficiency rating of 42.1 places it below the national average of 63.6.
The NBI records a navigation clearance of 20 feet — the minimum vertical space below the bridge deck. The total height of the bridge structure (including towers, railings, and superstructure) may be higher.
For travelers with bridge anxiety
This bridge has some features that may be challenging for travelers with bridge anxiety. See the tips below for a more comfortable crossing.
This bridge is 508 feet long — a short crossing, about 10-15 seconds.
A movable bridge — it may occasionally stop for boat traffic.
About 20 feet above ground — moderate height, similar to a 3-5 story building.
About 16,380 vehicles cross daily — moderate traffic, some congestion possible.
The deck is 43 feet wide with 2-3 lanes — moderate width.
This bridge crosses over water. Focus on the road ahead — the water is far below.
This comfort score is designed to help individuals with bridge anxiety plan their travel. All bridges in the National Bridge Inventory are regularly inspected and deemed safe for travel. This is not medical advice — if you experience severe anxiety, please consult a healthcare professional.
Year Built
1938
88 years old (rebuilt 2005)
Structure Type
Steel Movable (Bascule)
Total Length
508 ft
154.8 m
Deck Width
43 ft
13.0 m
Spans
1
sections between supports
Max Span
185 ft
longest unsupported section (56.4 m)
Traffic Lanes
2 lanes
Two-way traffic
Clearance Below
20 ft
navigation clearance under deck
Clearance height compared to familiar objects
Height shown is the navigation clearance below the bridge deck. The total height of the bridge structure (including towers and superstructure) may be higher.
Daily Traffic
16,380vehicles/day
43.57969°N, 83.89897°W
Steel Movable (Bascule)
A movable bridge can change position to allow passage of boats or other traffic. Steel movable bridges include lift, bascule (drawbridge), and swing types.
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Data from the National Bridge Inventory (NBI), maintained by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Data year: 2025. Conditions may have changed since the last inspection.
This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used as the sole basis for any decisions related to bridge safety or transportation planning. Always consult official sources and local authorities for the most current data.