US Bridges

M-55|E Houghton LA over W Br Muskegon River

Fair

Missaukee County, Michigan · 3.4 MI W of Roscommon Col · Structure no. 000000000007029

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,338
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-55|E Houghton LA over W Br Muskegon River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-55|E Houghton LA over W Br Muskegon River in Missaukee County, Michigan. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 94 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 4,338 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,507 by 2018. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-55|E Houghton LA
CrossesW Br Muskegon River
Location3.4 MI W of Roscommon Col
RouteState Highway 55
CountyMissaukee County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.33588, -84.92158
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating89.3 US tons
Inventory rating53.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.8 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,338 (2007)
Projected traffic5,507 by 2018
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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-55|E Houghton LA over W Br Muskegon River built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is M-55|E Houghton LA over W Br 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does M-55|E Houghton LA over W Br Muskegon River carry?

About 4,338 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is M-55|E Houghton LA over W Br Muskegon River?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.8 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns M-55|E Houghton LA over W Br Muskegon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.