US Bridges

M-553 over Canadian National RR

Poor

Marquette County, Michigan · 4.0 MI N of M-35 · Structure no. 000000000006531

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
188 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,200
2010 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-553 over Canadian National RR is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying M-553 over Canadian National RR in Marquette County, Michigan. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 years old, older than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 7,200 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,600 by 2030. The structure is 188 ft (57.3 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.1 mi (63 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-553
CrossesCanadian National RR
Location4.0 MI N of M-35
RouteState Highway 553
CountyMarquette County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.34606, -87.41547
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.8 US tons
Inventory rating5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length188 ft (57.3 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.9 m)
Roadway width46 ft (13.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,200 (2010)
Projected traffic9,600 by 2030
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed39.1 mi (63 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 rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$127,000 (2050 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was M-553 over Canadian National RR built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-553 over Canadian National RR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does M-553 over Canadian National RR carry?

About 7,200 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is M-553 over Canadian National RR?

The structure is 188 ft (57.3 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns M-553 over Canadian National RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.