US Bridges

Old M-76 over Wells Creek

Fair

Arenac County, Michigan · 0.6 Miles SE of Alger · Structure no. 000000000000448

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 1945
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,050
1998 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old M-76 over Wells Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Old M-76 over Wells Creek in Arenac County, Michigan. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 1945, so it is 92 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 1,050 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,320 by 1977. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 95 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld M-76
CrossesWells Creek
Location0.6 Miles SE of Alger
RouteCounty Highway 613
CountyArenac County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.11748, -84.11542
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width95 ft (29.1 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,050 (1998)
Projected traffic1,320 by 1977
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 Old M-76 over Wells Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1945.

What condition is Old M-76 over Wells 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Old M-76 over Wells Creek carry?

About 1,050 vehicles per day (1998 count).

How long is Old M-76 over Wells Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 95 ft wide.

Who owns Old M-76 over Wells Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.