US Bridges

M-50 over Thornapple River

Good

Eaton County, Michigan · 9.5 MI NW of Charlotte · Structure no. 000000000002230

Built
2013
12 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2025
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
Prestressed Concrete
Length
83 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,842
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-50 over Thornapple River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - single or spread carrying M-50 over Thornapple River in Eaton County, Michigan. It was built in 2013, so it is 12 years old, younger than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,842 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,350 by 2032. The structure is 83 ft (25.3 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesM-50
CrossesThornapple River
Location9.5 MI NW of Charlotte
RouteState Highway 50
Coordinates42.66961, -84.92607
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating43.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length83 ft (25.3 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.7 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,842 (2013)
Projected traffic3,350 by 2032
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-50 over Thornapple River built?

It was built in 2013, making it 12 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-50 over Thornapple River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2025.

How much traffic does M-50 over Thornapple River carry?

About 2,842 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is M-50 over Thornapple River?

The structure is 83 ft (25.3 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.7 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns M-50 over Thornapple River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.