US Bridges

M-35 over Big Cedar River

Fair

Menominee County, Michigan · 0.2 MI N of Cedar RD · Structure no. 000000000006799

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
349 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,900
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-35 over Big Cedar River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-35 over Big Cedar River in Menominee County, Michigan. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 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 2,900 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,335 by 2037. The structure is 349 ft (106.3 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 60.3 mi (97 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-35
CrossesBig Cedar River
Location0.2 MI N of Cedar RD
RouteState Highway 35
CountyMenominee County
StateMichigan
Coordinates45.41421, -87.34981
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating92.2 US tons
Inventory rating55 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length349 ft (106.3 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.1 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,900 (2017)
Projected traffic3,335 by 2037
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed60.3 mi (97 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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-35 over Big Cedar River built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-35 over Big Cedar 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does M-35 over Big Cedar River carry?

About 2,900 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is M-35 over Big Cedar River?

The structure is 349 ft (106.3 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns M-35 over Big Cedar River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.