US Bridges

M-156 over Bear Creek

Poor

Lenawee County, Michigan · 2.7 MI S of M-34 · Structure no. 000000000005503

Built
1925
100 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,791
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-156 over Bear Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying M-156 over Bear Creek in Lenawee County, Michigan. It was built in 1925, so it is 100 years old, older than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,791 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,318 by 2018. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-156
CrossesBear Creek
Location2.7 MI S of M-34
RouteState Highway 156
CountyLenawee County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.81936, -84.23515
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating57.1 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,791 (2007)
Projected traffic2,318 by 2018
Trucks7%
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-156 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-156 over Bear Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does M-156 over Bear Creek carry?

About 1,791 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is M-156 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns M-156 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.