US Bridges

M-53 over Greenman Creek

Poor

Sanilac County, Michigan · 5.8 MI S of Huron CO Line · Structure no. 000000000009450

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 1939
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,600
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-53 over Greenman Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying M-53 over Greenman Creek in Sanilac County, Michigan. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 1939, so it is 98 years old, older than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 3,600 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,140 by 2033. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-53
CrossesGreenman Creek
Location5.8 MI S of Huron CO Line
RouteState Highway 53
CountySanilac County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.59098, -83.09664
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating38.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,600 (2013)
Projected traffic4,140 by 2033
Trucks12%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-53 over Greenman Creek built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1939.

What condition is M-53 over Greenman Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does M-53 over Greenman Creek carry?

About 3,600 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is M-53 over Greenman Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns M-53 over Greenman Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.