US Bridges

M-55|W Watergate R over Clam River

Fair

Missaukee County, Michigan · 8 MI E of Cadillac · Structure no. 000000000007033

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
110 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,113
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-55|W Watergate R over Clam River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-55|W Watergate R over Clam River in Missaukee County, Michigan. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 5,113 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,867 by 2018. The structure is 110 ft (33.4 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-55|W Watergate R
CrossesClam River
Location8 MI E of Cadillac
RouteState Highway 55
CountyMissaukee County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.26406, -85.25759
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating75 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length110 ft (33.4 m)
Longest span106 ft (32.2 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.2 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,113 (2007)
Projected traffic7,867 by 2018
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$46,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-55|W Watergate R over Clam River built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-55|W Watergate R over Clam 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 M-55|W Watergate R over Clam River carry?

About 5,113 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is M-55|W Watergate R over Clam River?

The structure is 110 ft (33.4 m) long with a longest span of 106 ft (32.2 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns M-55|W Watergate R over Clam River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.