US Bridges

M-121 over Rush Creek

Fair

Ottawa County, Michigan · 0.2 MI SW of Kent CO Line · Structure no. 000000000008715

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 1965
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
51 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
31,311
2012 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-121 over Rush Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-121 over Rush Creek in Ottawa County, Michigan. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 1965, so it is 92 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 31,311 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,442 by 2032. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 97 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-121
CrossesRush Creek
Location0.2 MI SW of Kent CO Line
RouteState Highway 121
CountyOttawa County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.90431, -85.78415
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.2 US tons
Inventory rating37.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width97 ft (29.6 m)
Roadway width94 ft (28.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic31,311 (2012)
Projected traffic34,442 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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-121 over Rush Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1965.

What condition is M-121 over Rush Creek 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-121 over Rush Creek carry?

About 31,311 vehicles per day (2012 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is M-121 over Rush Creek?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 97 ft wide.

Who owns M-121 over Rush Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.