US Bridges

US-131 NB over Little Muskegon River

Fair

Mecosta County, Michigan · West of Morley · Structure no. 000000000006707

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
262 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20,200
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-131 NB over Little Muskegon River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-131 NB over Little Muskegon River in Mecosta County, Michigan. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 20,200 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,500 by 2033. The structure is 262 ft (79.9 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS-131 NB
CrossesLittle Muskegon River
LocationWest of Morley
RouteU.S. Route 131
Coordinates43.47252, -85.47743
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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 geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating92.5 US tons
Inventory rating49.3 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length262 ft (79.9 m)
Longest span133 ft (40.5 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,200 (2013)
Projected traffic23,500 by 2033
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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-131 NB over Little Muskegon River built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-131 NB over Little Muskegon 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US-131 NB over Little Muskegon River carry?

About 20,200 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US-131 NB over Little Muskegon River?

The structure is 262 ft (79.9 m) long with a longest span of 133 ft (40.5 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US-131 NB over Little Muskegon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.