US Bridges

M-55|HEMLOCK ST over Tawas River

Fair

Iosco County, Michigan · In Tawas City · Structure no. 000000000004123

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
59 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,047
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-55|HEMLOCK ST over Tawas River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-55|HEMLOCK ST over Tawas River 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 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 8,047 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,449 by 2018. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

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CarriesM-55|HEMLOCK ST
CrossesTawas River
LocationIn Tawas City
RouteState Highway 55
CountyIosco County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.27771, -83.51464
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length59 ft (18 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.9 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,047 (2007)
Projected traffic10,449 by 2018
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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$32,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-55|HEMLOCK ST over Tawas River built?

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

What condition is M-55|HEMLOCK ST over Tawas 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-55|HEMLOCK ST over Tawas River carry?

About 8,047 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is M-55|HEMLOCK ST over Tawas River?

The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.9 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns M-55|HEMLOCK ST over Tawas River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.