US Bridges

M-43 over Thornapple River

Fair

Barry County, Michigan · In Hastings · Structure no. 000000000000528

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
179 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,750
2010 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-43 over Thornapple River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-43 over Thornapple River in Barry County, Michigan. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 2012, so it is 62 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 12,750 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,500 by 2030. The structure is 179 ft (54.6 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-43
CrossesThornapple River
LocationIn Hastings
RouteState Highway 43
CountyBarry County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.65318, -85.29069
Functional classUrban 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMay 2024
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 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating91.8 US tons
Inventory rating55 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length179 ft (54.6 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.6 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,750 (2010)
Projected traffic14,500 by 2030
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-43 over Thornapple River built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is M-43 over Thornapple 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does M-43 over Thornapple River carry?

About 12,750 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is M-43 over Thornapple River?

The structure is 179 ft (54.6 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns M-43 over Thornapple River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.