US Bridges

M-68 over Rainy River

Fair

Presque Isle County, Michigan · 4.0 MI E of Cheboygan Col · Structure no. 000000000008952

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
117 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,382
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-68 over Rainy River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-68 over Rainy River in Presque Isle County, Michigan. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 5 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 3,382 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,227 by 2018. The structure is 117 ft (35.8 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-68
CrossesRainy River
Location4.0 MI E of Cheboygan Col
RouteState Highway 68
CountyPresque Isle County
StateMichigan
Coordinates45.35749, -84.16904
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.5 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length117 ft (35.8 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.7 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,382 (2007)
Projected traffic4,227 by 2018
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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-68 over Rainy River built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-68 over Rainy 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does M-68 over Rainy River carry?

About 3,382 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is M-68 over Rainy River?

The structure is 117 ft (35.8 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.7 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns M-68 over Rainy River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.