US Bridges

US-31 NB over Pere Marquette River

Fair

Mason County, Michigan · 3.6 MI SE of Ludington · Structure no. 000000000006645

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
400 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,498
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-31 NB over Pere Marquette River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-31 NB over Pere Marquette River in Mason County, Michigan. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 2,498 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,385 by 2018. The structure is 400 ft (121.9 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS-31 NB
CrossesPere Marquette River
Location3.6 MI SE of Ludington
RouteU.S. Route 31
Coordinates43.92732, -86.38382
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.7 US tons
Inventory rating45.3 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length400 ft (121.9 m)
Longest span152 ft (46.3 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,498 (2007)
Projected traffic3,385 by 2018
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 US-31 NB over Pere Marquette River built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-31 NB over Pere Marquette 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 US-31 NB over Pere Marquette River carry?

About 2,498 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US-31 NB over Pere Marquette River?

The structure is 400 ft (121.9 m) long with a longest span of 152 ft (46.3 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns US-31 NB over Pere Marquette River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.