US Bridges

US-41|M-28 over Lake Ruth

Fair

Baraga County, Michigan · 4.8 MI W of Marquette Col · Structure no. 000000000000496

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,625
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-41|M-28 over Lake Ruth is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-41|M-28 over Lake Ruth in Baraga County, Michigan. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 6 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 2,625 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,900 by 2040. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-41|M-28
CrossesLake Ruth
Location4.8 MI W of Marquette Col
RouteU.S. Route 41
CountyBaraga County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.55356, -88.21017
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.2 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.2 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,625 (2020)
Projected traffic2,900 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 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-41|M-28 over Lake Ruth built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-41|M-28 over Lake Ruth 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 US-41|M-28 over Lake Ruth carry?

About 2,625 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US-41|M-28 over Lake Ruth?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.2 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns US-41|M-28 over Lake Ruth?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.