US Bridges

M-50 over Tyler Creek

Fair

Kent County, Michigan · 1.3 MI W of Ionia Col · Structure no. 000000000004930

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,652
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-50 over Tyler Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-50 over Tyler Creek in Kent 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 3,652 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,304 by 2018. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-50
CrossesTyler Creek
Location1.3 MI W of Ionia Col
RouteState Highway 50
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.79861, -85.33532
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 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 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 rating58.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,652 (2007)
Projected traffic4,304 by 2018
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$41,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-50 over Tyler Creek built?

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

What condition is M-50 over Tyler Creek 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 2024.

How much traffic does M-50 over Tyler Creek carry?

About 3,652 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is M-50 over Tyler Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns M-50 over Tyler Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.