US Bridges

M-35 over Portage Creek

Fair

Delta County, Michigan · S Lts of Escanaba · Structure no. 000000000002106

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,441
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-35 over Portage Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying M-35 over Portage Creek in Delta County, Michigan. It was built in 1932, 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 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 6,441 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,407 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-35
CrossesPortage Creek
LocationS Lts of Escanaba
RouteState Highway 35
CountyDelta County
StateMichigan
Coordinates45.71179, -87.09274
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating80 US tons
Inventory rating47.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,441 (2020)
Projected traffic7,407 by 2040
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 Portage Creek built?

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

What condition is M-35 over Portage Creek 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 Portage Creek carry?

About 6,441 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is M-35 over Portage Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns M-35 over Portage Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.