US Bridges

M-115 over Middle Branch River

Fair

Osceola County, Michigan · 1.9 MI NW of Clare Col · Structure no. 000000000008598

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
125 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,707
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-115 over Middle Branch River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-115 over Middle Branch River in Osceola County, Michigan. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 4,707 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,062 by 2018. The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-115
CrossesMiddle Branch River
Location1.9 MI NW of Clare Col
RouteState Highway 115
CountyOsceola County
StateMichigan
Coordinates44.00513, -85.11027
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.1 US tons
Inventory rating33.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length125 ft (38.1 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,707 (2007)
Projected traffic5,062 by 2018
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-115 over Middle Branch River built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-115 over Middle Branch 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 2023.

How much traffic does M-115 over Middle Branch River carry?

About 4,707 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is M-115 over Middle Branch River?

The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns M-115 over Middle Branch River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.