US Bridges

M-38 over W Br Sturgeon River

Fair

Houghton County, Michigan · 2.7 MI W of Baraga Col · Structure no. 000000000003398

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
100 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
679
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-38 over W Br Sturgeon River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-38 over W Br Sturgeon River in Houghton County, Michigan. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 5 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 679 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 880 by 2018. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 60.3 mi (97 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-38
CrossesW Br Sturgeon River
Location2.7 MI W of Baraga Col
RouteState Highway 38
CountyHoughton County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.76492, -88.73315
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.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.1 US tons
Inventory rating41.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic679 (2007)
Projected traffic880 by 2018
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed60.3 mi (97 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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$70,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-38 over W Br Sturgeon River built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-38 over W Br Sturgeon 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-38 over W Br Sturgeon River carry?

About 679 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is M-38 over W Br Sturgeon River?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns M-38 over W Br Sturgeon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.