US Bridges

M-20 over Prairie Creek

Fair

Midland County, Michigan · 1.2 MI E of Meridian RD · Structure no. 000000000006890

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
16,168
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-20 over Prairie Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying M-20 over Prairie Creek in Midland County, Michigan. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 87 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 5 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 16,168 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,966 by 2018. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 92 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-20
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location1.2 MI E of Meridian RD
RouteState Highway 20
CountyMidland County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.61235, -84.34519
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating67.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width92 ft (28 m)
Roadway width82 ft (24.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,168 (2007)
Projected traffic20,966 by 2018
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-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 M-20 over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is M-20 over Prairie Creek 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 M-20 over Prairie Creek carry?

About 16,168 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is M-20 over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 92 ft wide.

Who owns M-20 over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.