US Bridges

M-33 over Gilchrist Creek

Fair

Montmorency County, Michigan · 5.8 MI N of Oscoda Col · Structure no. 000000000007535

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
39 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,647
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-33 over Gilchrist Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-33 over Gilchrist Creek in Montmorency County, Michigan. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 1,647 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,948 by 2018. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-33
CrossesGilchrist Creek
Location5.8 MI N of Oscoda Col
RouteState Highway 33
CountyMontmorency County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.94155, -84.03174
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating100.3 US tons
Inventory rating60 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,647 (2007)
Projected traffic1,948 by 2018
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.8 mi (56 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-33 over Gilchrist Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-33 over Gilchrist 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-33 over Gilchrist Creek carry?

About 1,647 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is M-33 over Gilchrist Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns M-33 over Gilchrist Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.