US Bridges

Old M-28 over Rock River

Poor

Baraga County, Michigan · 2 MI E of Covington · Structure no. 000000000000518

Built
1924
101 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Concrete
Length
61 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
17
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old M-28 over Rock River is a concrete girder and floorbeam system carrying Old M-28 over Rock River in Baraga County, Michigan. It was built in 1924, so it is 101 years old, older than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 17 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 100 by 2035. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld M-28
CrossesRock River
Location2 MI E of Covington
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBaraga County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.55195, -88.47516
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating44.8 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17 (2015)
Projected traffic100 by 2035
Trucks5%
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 statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old M-28 over Rock River built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old M-28 over Rock River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does Old M-28 over Rock River carry?

About 17 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Old M-28 over Rock River?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Old M-28 over Rock River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.