US Bridges

M-65 over Johnson Creek

Poor

Iosco County, Michigan · 2.8 MI N of Arenac Col · Structure no. 000000000004111

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
119 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,353
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-65 over Johnson Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-65 over Johnson Creek in Iosco County, Michigan. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 years old, older than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 4,353 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,006 by 5038. The structure is 119 ft (36.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-65
CrossesJohnson Creek
Location2.8 MI N of Arenac Col
RouteState Highway 65
CountyIosco County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.20156, -83.80329
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70.8 US tons
Inventory rating42.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length119 ft (36.3 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,353 (2018)
Projected traffic5,006 by 5038
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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-65 over Johnson Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-65 over Johnson Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does M-65 over Johnson Creek carry?

About 4,353 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is M-65 over Johnson Creek?

The structure is 119 ft (36.3 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns M-65 over Johnson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.