US Bridges

M-123 over Tahquamenon River

Fair

Luce County, Michigan · 1.3 MI N of Newberry · Structure no. 000000000005897

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
159 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,162
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-123 over Tahquamenon River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-123 over Tahquamenon River in Luce County, Michigan. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 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 1,162 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,000 by 2026. The structure is 159 ft (48.4 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

Location

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CarriesM-123
CrossesTahquamenon River
Location1.3 MI N of Newberry
RouteState Highway 123
CountyLuce County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.37229, -85.50978
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating95.3 US tons
Inventory rating57.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length159 ft (48.4 m)
Longest span98 ft (29.9 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.8 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,162 (2007)
Projected traffic2,000 by 2026
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 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$84,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-123 over Tahquamenon River built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-123 over Tahquamenon 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does M-123 over Tahquamenon River carry?

About 1,162 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is M-123 over Tahquamenon River?

The structure is 159 ft (48.4 m) long with a longest span of 98 ft (29.9 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns M-123 over Tahquamenon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.