US Bridges

M-65 over Thunder Bay River

Poor

Alpena County, Michigan · 0.5 MI S of Long Rapids · Structure no. 000000000000326

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
201 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,861
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-65 over Thunder Bay River is a concrete tee beam carrying M-65 over Thunder Bay River in Alpena County, Michigan. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 1,861 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,838 by 2018. The structure is 201 ft (61.4 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-65
CrossesThunder Bay River
Location0.5 MI S of Long Rapids
RouteState Highway 65
CountyAlpena County
StateMichigan
Coordinates45.1208, -83.72233
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 rating61.4 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length201 ft (61.4 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.2 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,861 (2007)
Projected traffic3,838 by 2018
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 M-65 over Thunder Bay River built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-65 over Thunder Bay 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does M-65 over Thunder Bay River carry?

About 1,861 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is M-65 over Thunder Bay River?

The structure is 201 ft (61.4 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.2 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns M-65 over Thunder Bay River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.