US Bridges

M-53 over Sterling Relief Drain

Fair

Macomb County, Michigan · 0.5 MI N of 15 Mile RD · Structure no. 000000000013532

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
55,558
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-53 over Sterling Relief Drain is a steel culvert carrying M-53 over Sterling Relief Drain in Macomb County, Michigan. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 55,558 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 66,976 by 2018. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-53
CrossesSterling Relief Drain
Location0.5 MI N of 15 Mile RD
RouteState Highway 53
CountyMacomb County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.55909, -83.02933
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating107.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic55,558 (2007)
Projected traffic66,976 by 2018
Trucks5%
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 Sterling Relief Drain built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-53 over Sterling Relief Drain 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does M-53 over Sterling Relief Drain carry?

About 55,558 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is M-53 over Sterling Relief Drain?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m).

Who owns M-53 over Sterling Relief Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.