US Bridges

M-46 over Tamarack Creek

Fair

Montcalm County, Michigan · 5.3 MI E of US-131 · Structure no. 000000000007442

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,904
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-46 over Tamarack Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-46 over Tamarack Creek in Montcalm 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 6,904 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,158 by 2018. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-46
CrossesTamarack Creek
Location5.3 MI E of US-131
RouteState Highway 46
CountyMontcalm County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.43243, -85.35022
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.6 US tons
Inventory rating41.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,904 (2007)
Projected traffic11,158 by 2018
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
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-46 over Tamarack Creek built?

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

What condition is M-46 over Tamarack 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does M-46 over Tamarack Creek carry?

About 6,904 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is M-46 over Tamarack Creek?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns M-46 over Tamarack Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.