US Bridges

M-55 over Rifle River

Fair

Ogemaw County, Michigan · 2.3 MI E of M-33 · Structure no. 000000000008415

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
160 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,120
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-55 over Rifle River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-55 over Rifle River in Ogemaw County, Michigan. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 88 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 6,120 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,038 by 2037. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-55
CrossesRifle River
Location2.3 MI E of M-33
RouteState Highway 55
CountyOgemaw County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.27678, -84.0796
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating66.8 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,120 (2017)
Projected traffic7,038 by 2037
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-55 over Rifle River built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is M-55 over Rifle 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does M-55 over Rifle River carry?

About 6,120 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is M-55 over Rifle River?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns M-55 over Rifle River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.