US Bridges

M-13 over Messner Drain

Fair

Saginaw County, Michigan · 5.8 MI S of M-46 · Structure no. 000000000009081

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,700
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-13 over Messner Drain is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-13 over Messner Drain in Saginaw County, Michigan. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 84 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 5,700 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,300 by 2035. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-13
CrossesMessner Drain
Location5.8 MI S of M-46
RouteState Highway 13
CountySaginaw County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.32863, -83.95376
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating80.4 US tons
Inventory rating54.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.9 m)
Roadway width36 ft (10.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,700 (2015)
Projected traffic6,300 by 2035
Trucks6%
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-13 over Messner Drain built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is M-13 over Messner Drain 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does M-13 over Messner Drain carry?

About 5,700 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is M-13 over Messner Drain?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns M-13 over Messner Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.