US Bridges

M-72 over Manistee River

Fair

Crawford County, Michigan · 7.4 MI W of Grayling · Structure no. 000000000002052

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,618
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-72 over Manistee River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-72 over Manistee River in Crawford County, Michigan. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1983, so it is 93 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 6,618 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,137 by 2018. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-72
CrossesManistee River
Location7.4 MI W of Grayling
RouteState Highway 72
CountyCrawford County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.6928, -84.84723
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.2 US tons
Inventory rating40.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span59 ft (17.9 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,618 (2007)
Projected traffic9,137 by 2018
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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-72 over Manistee River built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is M-72 over Manistee 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does M-72 over Manistee River carry?

About 6,618 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is M-72 over Manistee River?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (17.9 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns M-72 over Manistee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.