US Bridges

US-23 over Big Creek

Fair

Arenac County, Michigan · 2.3 MI E of M-65 · Structure no. 000000000000397

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,558
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-23 over Big Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US-23 over Big Creek in Arenac County, Michigan. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 years old, older 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.

It carries about 6,558 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,417 by 2018. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-23
CrossesBig Creek
Location2.3 MI E of M-65
RouteU.S. Route 23
CountyArenac County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.04791, -83.75911
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating86.4 US tons
Inventory rating51.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,558 (2007)
Projected traffic7,417 by 2018
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-23 over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-23 over Big Creek 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does US-23 over Big Creek carry?

About 6,558 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US-23 over Big Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns US-23 over Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.