US Bridges

M-37 over Pere Marquette River

Fair

Lake County, Michigan · 3.0 MI S of Baldwin · Structure no. 000000000005270

Built
1922
103 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,771
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-37 over Pere Marquette River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-37 over Pere Marquette River in Lake County, Michigan. It was built in 1922, so it is 103 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 4,771 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,342 by 2018. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-37
CrossesPere Marquette River
Location3.0 MI S of Baldwin
RouteState Highway 37
CountyLake County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.85765, -85.85147
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating68.2 US tons
Inventory rating40.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,771 (2007)
Projected traffic6,342 by 2018
Trucks5%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-37 over Pere Marquette River built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-37 over Pere Marquette 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does M-37 over Pere Marquette River carry?

About 4,771 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is M-37 over Pere Marquette River?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns M-37 over Pere Marquette River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.