US Bridges

M-115 over Betsie River

Fair

Manistee County, Michigan · 0.6 MI SE of Benzie Col · Structure no. 000000000006444

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
150 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,219
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-115 over Betsie River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-115 over Betsie River in Manistee County, Michigan. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 2003, so it is 85 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 4,219 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,851 by 2039. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-115
CrossesBetsie River
Location0.6 MI SE of Benzie Col
RouteState Highway 115
CountyManistee County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.5074, -85.96836
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating77.8 US tons
Inventory rating46.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,219 (2019)
Projected traffic4,851 by 2039
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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-115 over Betsie River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2003.

What condition is M-115 over Betsie 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does M-115 over Betsie River carry?

About 4,219 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is M-115 over Betsie River?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns M-115 over Betsie River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.