US Bridges

M-35 over Bark River

Fair

Delta County, Michigan · 2.5 MI N of Menominee Col · Structure no. 000000000002104

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
70 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,418
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-35 over Bark River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-35 over Bark River in Delta County, Michigan. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 3,418 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,239 by 2018. The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 52.2 mi (84 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-35
CrossesBark River
Location2.5 MI N of Menominee Col
RouteState Highway 35
CountyDelta County
StateMichigan
Coordinates45.57853, -87.24584
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating97.9 US tons
Inventory rating58.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length70 ft (21.3 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,418 (2007)
Projected traffic5,239 by 2018
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed52.2 mi (84 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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$35,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-35 over Bark River built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-35 over Bark 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-35 over Bark River carry?

About 3,418 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is M-35 over Bark River?

The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns M-35 over Bark River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.