US Bridges

M-68 over Crooked River

Fair

Emmet County, Michigan · In Alanson · Structure no. 000000000002451

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
134 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,053
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-68 over Crooked River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-68 over Crooked River in Emmet County, Michigan. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 2012, so it is 88 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 8,053 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks. The structure is 134 ft (40.8 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

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CarriesM-68
CrossesCrooked River
LocationIn Alanson
RouteState Highway 68
CountyEmmet County
StateMichigan
Coordinates45.44345, -84.78445
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating74.3 US tons
Inventory rating44.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length134 ft (40.8 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,053 (2022)
Projected traffic—
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was M-68 over Crooked River built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is M-68 over Crooked 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does M-68 over Crooked River carry?

About 8,053 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is M-68 over Crooked River?

The structure is 134 ft (40.8 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns M-68 over Crooked River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.