US Bridges

M-26 over E Br Firesteel River

Good

Ontonagon County, Michigan · 1.9 MI NE of M-38 · Structure no. 000000000008505

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

About this bridge

M-26 over E Br Firesteel River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-26 over E 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 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,650 by 2040. The structure is 257 ft (78.3 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
CrossesE Br Firesteel River
Location1.9 MI NE of M-38
RouteState Highway 26
CountyOntonagon County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.79798, -89.01791
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 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 rating51.5 US tons
Inventory rating37.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length257 ft (78.3 m)
Longest span111 ft (33.9 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
Trucks19%
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 E Br Firesteel River built?

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

What condition is M-26 over E 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 E Br Firesteel River carry?

About 1,425 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

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

The structure is 257 ft (78.3 m) long with a longest span of 111 ft (33.9 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns M-26 over E Br Firesteel River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.