US Bridges

M-57 over Prairie Creek

Fair

Montcalm County, Michigan · 4.5 MI E of M-66 · Structure no. 000000000007433

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,487
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-57 over Prairie Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying M-57 over Prairie Creek in Montcalm County, Michigan. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 5,487 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,270 by 2018. The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-57
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location4.5 MI E of M-66
RouteState Highway 57
CountyMontcalm County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.17748, -84.9866
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length35 ft (10.6 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.6 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,487 (2007)
Projected traffic3,270 by 2018
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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-57 over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-57 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does M-57 over Prairie Creek carry?

About 5,487 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is M-57 over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.6 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns M-57 over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.