US Bridges

M-50 over Tupper River

Fair

Ionia County, Michigan · 0.5 MI NW of Barry Col · Structure no. 000000000003967

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,610
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-50 over Tupper River is a concrete tee beam carrying M-50 over Tupper River in Ionia 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 6,610 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,063 by 2018. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-50
CrossesTupper River
Location0.5 MI NW of Barry Col
RouteState Highway 50
CountyIonia County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.7764, -85.12371
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating104.3 US tons
Inventory rating62.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width59 ft (18 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,610 (2007)
Projected traffic8,063 by 2018
Trucks5%
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-50 over Tupper River built?

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

What condition is M-50 over Tupper 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does M-50 over Tupper River carry?

About 6,610 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is M-50 over Tupper River?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns M-50 over Tupper River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.