US Bridges

M-46 over Ball Creek

Fair

Kent County, Michigan · In Kent City · Structure no. 000000000004935

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,670
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-46 over Ball Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying M-46 over Ball Creek in Kent County, Michigan. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 years old, younger 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 4,670 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,681 by 2018. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-46
CrossesBall Creek
LocationIn Kent City
RouteState Highway 46
CountyKent County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.21954, -85.75509
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating67.5 US tons
Inventory rating40.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,670 (2007)
Projected traffic6,681 by 2018
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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-46 over Ball Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-46 over Ball 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does M-46 over Ball Creek carry?

About 4,670 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is M-46 over Ball Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns M-46 over Ball Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.