US Bridges

M-48 over E Br Munuscong River

Fair

Chippewa County, Michigan · 1.6 MI E of M-129 · Structure no. 000000000001593

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
755
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-48 over E Br Munuscong River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-48 over E Br Munuscong River in Chippewa County, Michigan. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 755 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 955 by 2018. The structure is 60 ft (18.2 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-48
CrossesE Br Munuscong River
Location1.6 MI E of M-129
RouteState Highway 48
CountyChippewa County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.12814, -84.32889
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating83.9 US tons
Inventory rating50.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length60 ft (18.2 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.2 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic755 (2007)
Projected traffic955 by 2018
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$37,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-48 over E Br Munuscong River built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-48 over E Br Munuscong 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does M-48 over E Br Munuscong River carry?

About 755 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is M-48 over E Br Munuscong River?

The structure is 60 ft (18.2 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.2 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns M-48 over E Br Munuscong River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.