US Bridges

M-65 over Big Creek

Good

Arenac County, Michigan · 2.0 MI S of Twining · Structure no. 000000000000403

Built
2021
4 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,353
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-65 over Big Creek is a concrete culvert carrying M-65 over Big Creek in Arenac County, Michigan. It was built in 2021, so it is 4 years old, younger than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 9 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,353 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,006 by 2038. The structure is 30 ft (9.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-65
CrossesBig Creek
Location2.0 MI S of Twining
RouteState Highway 65
CountyArenac County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.08419, -83.80676
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Culvert9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating64.3 US tons
Inventory rating49.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length30 ft (9.2 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,353 (2018)
Projected traffic5,006 by 2038
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$4,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-65 over Big Creek built?

It was built in 2021, making it 4 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-65 over Big Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2024.

How much traffic does M-65 over Big Creek carry?

About 4,353 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is M-65 over Big Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.2 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m).

Who owns M-65 over Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.