US Bridges

M-43 over Little Thornapple River

Fair

Barry County, Michigan · 3.8 MI W of Woodland · Structure no. 000000000000530

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
39 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,860
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-43 over Little Thornapple River is a concrete tee beam carrying M-43 over Little Thornapple River in Barry County, Michigan. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 1,860 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,163 by 2018. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-43
CrossesLittle Thornapple River
Location3.8 MI W of Woodland
RouteState Highway 43
CountyBarry County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.72656, -85.20598
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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating74 US tons
Inventory rating44.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.8 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,860 (2007)
Projected traffic3,163 by 2018
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$39,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-43 over Little Thornapple River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-43 over Little 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 Little Thornapple River carry?

About 1,860 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is M-43 over Little Thornapple River?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.8 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns M-43 over Little Thornapple River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.