US Bridges

M-69 over W Br Ford River

Fair

Menominee County, Michigan · 1 MI SE of Phelps · Structure no. 000000000006806

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
553
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-69 over W Br Ford River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-69 over W Br Ford River in Menominee County, Michigan. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 553 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 852 by 2018. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.3 mi (68 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-69
CrossesW Br Ford River
Location1 MI SE of Phelps
RouteState Highway 69
CountyMenominee County
StateMichigan
Coordinates45.92917, -87.59423
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.1 US tons
Inventory rating30.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.9 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic553 (2007)
Projected traffic852 by 2018
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed42.3 mi (68 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-69 over W Br Ford River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-69 over W Br Ford 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-69 over W Br Ford River carry?

About 553 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is M-69 over W Br Ford River?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.9 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns M-69 over W Br Ford River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.