US Bridges

M-53 SB over Plum Creek

Fair

Macomb County, Michigan · 3.2 MI S of M-59 · Structure no. 000000000006008

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
57 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30,475
2012 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-53 SB over Plum Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-53 SB over Plum Creek in Macomb County, Michigan. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 30,475 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 35,046 by 2032. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-53 SB
CrossesPlum Creek
Location3.2 MI S of M-59
RouteState Highway 53
CountyMacomb County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.58365, -83.0306
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating72.5 US tons
Inventory rating44.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.4 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.2 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30,475 (2012)
Projected traffic35,046 by 2032
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-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 SB over Plum Creek built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-53 SB over Plum 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does M-53 SB over Plum Creek carry?

About 30,475 vehicles per day (2012 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is M-53 SB over Plum Creek?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.4 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns M-53 SB over Plum Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.