US Bridges

M-48|M-129|MERIDIA over Big Munuscong River

Fair

Chippewa County, Michigan · 1.2 MI S of Pickford · Structure no. 000000000001605

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
639 ft
12 main spans
Daily traffic
2,861
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-48|M-129|MERIDIA over Big Munuscong River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-48|M-129|MERIDIA over Big Munuscong River in Chippewa County, Michigan. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 76 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 2,861 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,290 by 2040. The structure is 639 ft (194.8 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-48|M-129|MERIDIA
CrossesBig Munuscong River
Location1.2 MI S of Pickford
RouteState Highway 129
CountyChippewa County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.14287, -84.36339
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 rating88.2 US tons
Inventory rating52.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans12
Design loadHS 20
Structure length639 ft (194.8 m)
Longest span88 ft (26.9 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,861 (2020)
Projected traffic3,290 by 2040
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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-48|M-129|MERIDIA over Big Munuscong River built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is M-48|M-129|MERIDIA over Big 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does M-48|M-129|MERIDIA over Big Munuscong River carry?

About 2,861 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is M-48|M-129|MERIDIA over Big Munuscong River?

The structure is 639 ft (194.8 m) long with a longest span of 88 ft (26.9 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns M-48|M-129|MERIDIA over Big Munuscong River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.