US Bridges

M-38 over Sturgeon River

Fair

Baraga County, Michigan · 6.6 MI W of Baraga · Structure no. 000000000000500

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
189 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,977
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-38 over Sturgeon River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-38 over Sturgeon River in Baraga County, Michigan. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 2,977 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,628 by 2018. The structure is 189 ft (57.6 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-38
CrossesSturgeon River
Location6.6 MI W of Baraga
RouteState Highway 38
CountyBaraga County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.78273, -88.61787
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating90.7 US tons
Inventory rating54.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length189 ft (57.6 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,977 (2007)
Projected traffic3,628 by 2018
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$30,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-38 over Sturgeon River built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-38 over Sturgeon 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does M-38 over Sturgeon River carry?

About 2,977 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is M-38 over Sturgeon River?

The structure is 189 ft (57.6 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns M-38 over Sturgeon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.