US Bridges

M-26 over W Br Firesteel River

Good

Ontonagon County, Michigan · 1.3 MI NE of M-38 · Structure no. 000000000008504

Built
2021
4 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
193 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,425
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-26 over W Br Firesteel River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-26 over W Br Firesteel River in Ontonagon County, Michigan. It was built in 2021, so it is 4 years old, younger than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,425 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,650 by 2040. The structure is 193 ft (58.7 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 75.2 mi (121 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-26
CrossesW Br Firesteel River
Location1.3 MI NE of M-38
RouteState Highway 26
CountyOntonagon County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.79148, -89.02819
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 evaluation7: Better than 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 rating64.6 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length193 ft (58.7 m)
Longest span189 ft (57.7 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,425 (2020)
Projected traffic1,650 by 2040
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed75.2 mi (121 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-26 over W Br Firesteel River built?

It was built in 2021, making it 4 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-26 over W Br Firesteel River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does M-26 over W Br Firesteel River carry?

About 1,425 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is M-26 over W Br Firesteel River?

The structure is 193 ft (58.7 m) long with a longest span of 189 ft (57.7 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns M-26 over W Br Firesteel River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.