US Bridges

M-18 over Tobacco River

Poor

Gladwin County, Michigan · In Beaverton · Structure no. 000000000002871

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
285 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
6,100
2011 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-18 over Tobacco River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-18 over Tobacco River in Gladwin County, Michigan. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 years old, older than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 6,100 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,873 by 2018. The structure is 285 ft (86.8 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-18
CrossesTobacco River
LocationIn Beaverton
RouteState Highway 18
CountyGladwin County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.88432, -84.48616
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.2 US tons
Inventory rating30.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 20
Structure length285 ft (86.8 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.6 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,100 (2011)
Projected traffic8,873 by 2018
Trucks3%
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-18 over Tobacco River built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-18 over Tobacco River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does M-18 over Tobacco River carry?

About 6,100 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is M-18 over Tobacco River?

The structure is 285 ft (86.8 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns M-18 over Tobacco River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.