US Bridges

M-35 over Ford River

Fair

Delta County, Michigan · 4.0 MI SW of Escanaba · Structure no. 000000000002105

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
181 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,800
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-35 over Ford River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-35 over Ford River in Delta County, Michigan. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1992, 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 3,800 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,046 by 2018. The structure is 181 ft (55.1 m) long and 57 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-35
CrossesFord River
Location4.0 MI SW of Escanaba
RouteState Highway 35
CountyDelta County
StateMichigan
Coordinates45.6777, -87.14251
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating67.1 US tons
Inventory rating36.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length181 ft (55.1 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.2 m)
Deck width57 ft (17.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,800 (2007)
Projected traffic5,046 by 2018
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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-35 over Ford River built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is M-35 over Ford 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does M-35 over Ford River carry?

About 3,800 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is M-35 over Ford River?

The structure is 181 ft (55.1 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.2 m) and a deck 57 ft wide.

Who owns M-35 over Ford River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.