US Bridges

M-231 over Sterns Creek

Good

Ottawa County, Michigan · 2.7 MI N of M-45 · Structure no. 000000000013300

Built
2014
11 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
242 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13,175
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-231 over Sterns Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying M-231 over Sterns Creek in Ottawa County, Michigan. It was built in 2014, so it is 11 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 13,175 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,500 by 2035. The structure is 242 ft (73.8 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-231
CrossesSterns Creek
Location2.7 MI N of M-45
RouteState Highway 231
CountyOttawa County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.01072, -86.09092
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74.3 US tons
Inventory rating55.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length242 ft (73.8 m)
Longest span118 ft (36.1 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.9 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,175 (2015)
Projected traffic15,500 by 2035
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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-231 over Sterns Creek built?

It was built in 2014, making it 11 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-231 over Sterns Creek 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does M-231 over Sterns Creek carry?

About 13,175 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is M-231 over Sterns Creek?

The structure is 242 ft (73.8 m) long with a longest span of 118 ft (36.1 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns M-231 over Sterns Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.