US Bridges

M-51 over Pokagon Creek

Fair

Cass County, Michigan · In Pokagon · Structure no. 000000000001420

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,100
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-51 over Pokagon Creek is a concrete culvert carrying M-51 over Pokagon Creek in Cass County, Michigan. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 5,100 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,966 by 2018. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-51
CrossesPokagon Creek
LocationIn Pokagon
RouteState Highway 51
CountyCass County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.91577, -86.17562
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.8 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,100 (2007)
Projected traffic7,966 by 2018
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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-51 over Pokagon Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-51 over Pokagon 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does M-51 over Pokagon Creek carry?

About 5,100 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is M-51 over Pokagon Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m).

Who owns M-51 over Pokagon Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.