US Bridges

US-31|M-37|M-72|GR over Boardman River

Good

Grand Traverse County, Michigan · In Traverse City · Structure no. 000000000003049

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
78 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
26,650
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-31|M-37|M-72|GR over Boardman River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-31|M-37|M-72|GR over Boardman River in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 years old, older 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 26,650 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,750 by 2037. The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long and 82 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS-31|M-37|M-72|GR
CrossesBoardman River
LocationIn Traverse City
RouteU.S. Route 31
Coordinates44.76476, -85.6128
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2024
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72.1 US tons
Inventory rating43.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length78 ft (23.8 m)
Longest span76 ft (23.1 m)
Deck width82 ft (25.1 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26,650 (2015)
Projected traffic29,750 by 2037
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US-31|M-37|M-72|GR over Boardman River built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-31|M-37|M-72|GR over Boardman 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US-31|M-37|M-72|GR over Boardman River carry?

About 26,650 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is US-31|M-37|M-72|GR over Boardman River?

The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long with a longest span of 76 ft (23.1 m) and a deck 82 ft wide.

Who owns US-31|M-37|M-72|GR over Boardman River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.