US Bridges

M-68 over Pigeon River

Fair

Cheboygan County, Michigan · 1.0 MI W of Afton · Structure no. 000000000001488

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,188
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-68 over Pigeon River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-68 over Pigeon River in Cheboygan 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 3,188 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,195 by 2018. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-68
CrossesPigeon River
Location1.0 MI W of Afton
RouteState Highway 68
CountyCheboygan County
StateMichigan
Coordinates45.37426, -84.51497
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
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating62.2 US tons
Inventory rating37.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.2 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,188 (2007)
Projected traffic5,195 by 2018
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 over Pigeon River built?

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

What condition is M-68 over Pigeon 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 over Pigeon River carry?

About 3,188 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is M-68 over Pigeon River?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.2 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns M-68 over Pigeon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.