US Bridges

Melita Road (M-70) over Rifle River

Fair

Arenac County, Michigan · 3 Miles North of Sterling · Structure no. 000000000000447

Built
2008
17 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
180 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,400
2006 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Melita Road (M-70) over Rifle River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Melita Road (M-70) over Rifle River in Arenac County, Michigan. It was built in 2008, so it is 17 years old, younger 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 2,400 vehicles a day, projected to reach 4,300 by 2026. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMelita Road (M-70)
CrossesRifle River
Location3 Miles North of Sterling
RouteCounty Highway 621
CountyArenac County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.07283, -84.01995
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating85.8 US tons
Inventory rating51.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,400 (2006)
Projected traffic4,300 by 2026
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Melita Road (M-70) over Rifle River built?

It was built in 2008, making it 17 years old in 2025.

What condition is Melita Road (M-70) over Rifle River 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Melita Road (M-70) over Rifle River carry?

About 2,400 vehicles per day (2006 count).

How long is Melita Road (M-70) over Rifle River?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Melita Road (M-70) over Rifle River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.