US Bridges

M-61 over Molasses River

Fair

Gladwin County, Michigan · 4.5 MI E of M-30 · Structure no. 000000000002881

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
89 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,302
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-61 over Molasses River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-61 over Molasses River in Gladwin County, Michigan. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 years old, younger 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 3,302 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,070 by 2018. The structure is 89 ft (27 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-61
CrossesMolasses River
Location4.5 MI E of M-30
RouteState Highway 61
CountyGladwin County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.97808, -84.27687
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating81.8 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length89 ft (27 m)
Longest span89 ft (27 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,302 (2007)
Projected traffic5,070 by 2018
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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-61 over Molasses River built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-61 over Molasses 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does M-61 over Molasses River carry?

About 3,302 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is M-61 over Molasses River?

The structure is 89 ft (27 m) long with a longest span of 89 ft (27 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns M-61 over Molasses River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.