US Bridges

M-46 over Big Drain

Fair

Muskegon County, Michigan · 11.5 MI E of US-31 · Structure no. 000000000007558

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 1999
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,182
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-46 over Big Drain is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying M-46 over Big Drain in Muskegon County, Michigan. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1999, so it is 67 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 6,182 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,513 by 2018. The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-46
CrossesBig Drain
Location11.5 MI E of US-31
RouteState Highway 46
CountyMuskegon County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.23508, -85.97562
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating82.5 US tons
Inventory rating44.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length35 ft (10.6 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.6 m)
Deck width49 ft (15 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,182 (2007)
Projected traffic8,513 by 2018
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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-46 over Big Drain built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.

What condition is M-46 over Big Drain 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 Big Drain carry?

About 6,182 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is M-46 over Big Drain?

The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.6 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns M-46 over Big Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.