US Bridges

M-38 over Flintsteel River

Fair

Ontonagon County, Michigan · 4.0 MI NW of Greenland · Structure no. 000000000008503

Built
1971
54 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
219 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,311
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-38 over Flintsteel River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-38 over Flintsteel River in Ontonagon County, Michigan. It was built in 1971 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 54 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 1,311 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2018. The structure is 219 ft (66.8 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-38
CrossesFlintsteel River
Location4.0 MI NW of Greenland
RouteState Highway 38
CountyOntonagon County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.81086, -89.1798
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 above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating85.8 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length219 ft (66.8 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,311 (2007)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2018
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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-38 over Flintsteel River built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is M-38 over Flintsteel 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 Flintsteel River carry?

About 1,311 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is M-38 over Flintsteel River?

The structure is 219 ft (66.8 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns M-38 over Flintsteel River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.