US Bridges

M-28 over Prairie Creek

Poor

Alger County, Michigan · 2.9 Miles E of Shingleton · Structure no. 000000000000051

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
69 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,973
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-28 over Prairie Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-28 over Prairie Creek in Alger County, Michigan. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 1,973 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,096 by 2018. The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 60.3 mi (97 km).

CarriesM-28
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location2.9 Miles E of Shingleton
RouteState Highway 28
Coordinates46.34698, -86.41165
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.7 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length69 ft (21 m)
Longest span23 ft (6.9 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,973 (2007)
Projected traffic3,096 by 2018
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed60.3 mi (97 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$29,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-28 over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-28 over Prairie Creek 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does M-28 over Prairie Creek carry?

About 1,973 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is M-28 over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (6.9 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns M-28 over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.