US Bridges

M-123 over Tahquamenon River

Fair

Chippewa County, Michigan · 4.8 MI S of Paradise · Structure no. 000000000001563

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
280 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
903
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-123 over Tahquamenon River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-123 over Tahquamenon River in Chippewa County, Michigan. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 903 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,872 by 2018. The structure is 280 ft (85.3 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 70.2 mi (113 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-123
CrossesTahquamenon River
Location4.8 MI S of Paradise
RouteState Highway 123
CountyChippewa County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.55652, -85.03138
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating62.8 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length280 ft (85.3 m)
Longest span59 ft (18 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic903 (2007)
Projected traffic1,872 by 2018
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed70.2 mi (113 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was M-123 over Tahquamenon River built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-123 over Tahquamenon 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-123 over Tahquamenon River carry?

About 903 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is M-123 over Tahquamenon River?

The structure is 280 ft (85.3 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns M-123 over Tahquamenon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.