US Bridges

M-94 over Nelson Creek

Fair

Marquette County, Michigan · 1.6 MI E of US-41 · Structure no. 000000000006477

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,175
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-94 over Nelson Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying M-94 over Nelson Creek in Marquette County, Michigan. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 1,175 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,439 by 2018. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-94
CrossesNelson Creek
Location1.6 MI E of US-41
RouteState Highway 94
CountyMarquette County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.34763, -87.18631
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating57.9 US tons
Inventory rating34.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.6 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,175 (2007)
Projected traffic1,439 by 2018
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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$21,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-94 over Nelson Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-94 over Nelson 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does M-94 over Nelson Creek carry?

About 1,175 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is M-94 over Nelson Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.6 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns M-94 over Nelson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.