US Bridges

M-79 over High Bank Creek

Fair

Barry County, Michigan · 5.0 MI W of Nashville · Structure no. 000000000000538

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
20 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,239
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-79 over High Bank Creek is a steel culvert carrying M-79 over High Bank Creek in Barry 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 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 3,239 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,810 by 2018. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-79
CrossesHigh Bank Creek
Location5.0 MI W of Nashville
RouteState Highway 79
CountyBarry County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.60509, -85.18053
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating107.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,239 (2007)
Projected traffic6,810 by 2018
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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-79 over High Bank Creek built?

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

What condition is M-79 over High Bank Creek 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does M-79 over High Bank Creek carry?

About 3,239 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is M-79 over High Bank Creek?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns M-79 over High Bank Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.