US Bridges

M-53 over E Br Pigeon River

Fair

Huron County, Michigan · 2.0 MI N of Sanilac Col · Structure no. 000000000003465

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,658
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-53 over E Br Pigeon River is a concrete tee beam carrying M-53 over E Br Pigeon River in Huron County, Michigan. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 4,658 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,357 by 2037. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-53
CrossesE Br Pigeon River
Location2.0 MI N of Sanilac Col
RouteState Highway 53
CountyHuron County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.70415, -83.09836
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating68.9 US tons
Inventory rating41.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,658 (2017)
Projected traffic5,357 by 2037
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$21,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-53 over E Br Pigeon River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-53 over E Br Pigeon 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does M-53 over E Br Pigeon River carry?

About 4,658 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is M-53 over E Br Pigeon River?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns M-53 over E Br Pigeon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.