US Bridges

M-69 over Paint River

Fair

Iron County, Michigan · In Crystal Falls · Structure no. 000000000004172

Built
1924
101 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
262 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,080
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-69 over Paint River is a concrete arch - deck carrying M-69 over Paint River in Iron County, Michigan. It was built in 1924 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 101 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 6 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 3,080 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,580 by 2042. The structure is 262 ft (79.8 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 62.1 mi (100 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-69
CrossesPaint River
LocationIn Crystal Falls
RouteState Highway 69
CountyIron County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.09697, -88.31943
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating77.2 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length262 ft (79.8 m)
Longest span125 ft (38 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,080 (2022)
Projected traffic3,580 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed62.1 mi (100 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-69 over Paint River built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

What condition is M-69 over Paint 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does M-69 over Paint River carry?

About 3,080 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is M-69 over Paint River?

The structure is 262 ft (79.8 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns M-69 over Paint River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.