US Bridges

M-43 over Mud Creek

Fair

Eaton County, Michigan · 2.3 MI W of Sunfield · Structure no. 000000000002225

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,660
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-43 over Mud Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-43 over Mud Creek in Eaton County, Michigan. It was built in 1949, 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 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 3,660 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,186 by 2018. The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-43
CrossesMud Creek
Location2.3 MI W of Sunfield
RouteState Highway 43
CountyEaton County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.75592, -85.0418
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating75.7 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length34 ft (10.3 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,660 (2007)
Projected traffic4,186 by 2018
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$23,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-43 over Mud Creek built?

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

What condition is M-43 over Mud 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does M-43 over Mud Creek carry?

About 3,660 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is M-43 over Mud Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns M-43 over Mud Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.