US Bridges

M-68|S Straits HWY over Sturgeon River

Fair

Cheboygan County, Michigan · 0.8 MI W of I-75 · Structure no. 000000000001487

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
61 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10,873
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-68|S Straits HWY over Sturgeon River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-68|S Straits HWY over Sturgeon River in Cheboygan County, Michigan. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 98 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 10,873 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,025 by 2038. The structure is 61 ft (18.7 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-68|S Straits HWY
CrossesSturgeon River
Location0.8 MI W of I-75
RouteState Highway 68
CountyCheboygan County
StateMichigan
Coordinates45.40233, -84.61795
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating73.5 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length61 ft (18.7 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,873 (2018)
Projected traffic11,025 by 2038
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 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-68|S Straits HWY over Sturgeon River built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is M-68|S Straits HWY over Sturgeon 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does M-68|S Straits HWY over Sturgeon River carry?

About 10,873 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is M-68|S Straits HWY over Sturgeon River?

The structure is 61 ft (18.7 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns M-68|S Straits HWY over Sturgeon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.