US Bridges

M-53 over Bear Creek

Fair

Macomb County, Michigan · In Warren · Structure no. 000000000006004

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50,187
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-53 over Bear Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying M-53 over Bear Creek in Macomb County, Michigan. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 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 50,187 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 52,443 by 2018. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-53
CrossesBear Creek
LocationIn Warren
RouteState Highway 53
CountyMacomb County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.52019, -83.02887
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69.3 US tons
Inventory rating41.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50,187 (2007)
Projected traffic52,443 by 2018
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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-53 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-53 over Bear 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does M-53 over Bear Creek carry?

About 50,187 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is M-53 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m).

Who owns M-53 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.