US Bridges

Old M-78 HWY over Unnamed Creek

Fair

Branch County, Michigan · Sherwood Twp Sec 15-16 · Structure no. 000000000001124

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
700
2004 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old M-78 HWY over Unnamed Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Old M-78 HWY over Unnamed Creek in Branch County, Michigan. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 700 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,000 by 2024. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld M-78 HWY
CrossesUnnamed Creek
LocationSherwood Twp Sec 15-16
RouteCounty Highway 1209
CountyBranch County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.0338, -85.2348
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.6 US tons
Inventory rating25.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic700 (2004)
Projected traffic1,000 by 2024
Trucks4%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Old M-78 HWY over Unnamed Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old M-78 HWY over Unnamed 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Old M-78 HWY over Unnamed Creek carry?

About 700 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Old M-78 HWY over Unnamed Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Old M-78 HWY over Unnamed Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.