US Bridges

M-38 over W Br of Firesteel River

Fair

Ontonagon County, Michigan · 2.7 MI E of M-26 · Structure no. 000000000008502

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
242 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
754
2012 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-38 over W Br of Firesteel River is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying M-38 over W Br of Firesteel River in Ontonagon County, Michigan. It was built in 1958, 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 754 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 837 by 2032. The structure is 242 ft (73.8 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 62.1 mi (100 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-38
CrossesW Br of Firesteel River
Location2.7 MI E of M-26
RouteState Highway 38
CountyOntonagon County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.77135, -89.00351
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating79.3 US tons
Inventory rating47.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length242 ft (73.8 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic754 (2012)
Projected traffic837 by 2032
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed62.1 mi (100 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-38 over W Br of Firesteel River built?

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

What condition is M-38 over W Br of Firesteel 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does M-38 over W Br of Firesteel River carry?

About 754 vehicles per day (2012 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is M-38 over W Br of Firesteel River?

The structure is 242 ft (73.8 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns M-38 over W Br of Firesteel River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.