US Bridges

M-116 over Big Sable River

Fair

Mason County, Michigan · 5.0 MI N of Ludington · Structure no. 000000000006632

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
125 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
901
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-116 over Big Sable River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying M-116 over Big Sable River in Mason County, Michigan. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 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 901 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,990 by 2018. The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123 mi (198 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-116
CrossesBig Sable River
Location5.0 MI N of Ludington
RouteState Highway 116
CountyMason County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.03047, -86.50537
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating65.7 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length125 ft (38.1 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.7 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic901 (2013)
Projected traffic2,990 by 2018
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123 mi (198 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-116 over Big Sable River built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-116 over Big Sable 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does M-116 over Big Sable River carry?

About 901 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is M-116 over Big Sable River?

The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.7 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns M-116 over Big Sable River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.