US Bridges

Butterfield Hy M78 over I-69

Fair

Eaton County, Michigan · 1.4 MI SW of Olivet · Structure no. 000000000002252

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
475 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
4,432
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Butterfield Hy M78 over I-69 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Butterfield Hy M78 over I-69 in Eaton County, Michigan. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 4,432 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,897 by 2040. The structure is 475 ft (144.7 m) long and 51 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesButterfield Hy M78
CrossesI-69
Location1.4 MI SW of Olivet
RouteState Highway 78
CountyEaton County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.43664, -84.95266
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70.3 US tons
Inventory rating42.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length475 ft (144.7 m)
Longest span92 ft (28 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.4 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,432 (2020)
Projected traffic4,897 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Butterfield Hy M78 over I-69 built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Butterfield Hy M78 over I-69 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Butterfield Hy M78 over I-69 carry?

About 4,432 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Butterfield Hy M78 over I-69?

The structure is 475 ft (144.7 m) long with a longest span of 92 ft (28 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns Butterfield Hy M78 over I-69?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.