US Bridges

M-94 over Big Ditch Creek

Fair

Schoolcraft County, Michigan · 16 MI SE of Alger Col · Structure no. 000000000009679

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
526
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-94 over Big Ditch Creek is a concrete slab carrying M-94 over Big Ditch Creek in Schoolcraft County, Michigan. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 526 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 845 by 2018. The structure is 24 ft (7.4 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-94
CrossesBig Ditch Creek
Location16 MI SE of Alger Col
RouteState Highway 94
CountySchoolcraft County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.14363, -86.35276
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating66.8 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.4 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.6 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic526 (2007)
Projected traffic845 by 2018
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-94 over Big Ditch Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-94 over Big Ditch 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does M-94 over Big Ditch Creek carry?

About 526 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is M-94 over Big Ditch Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.4 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.6 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns M-94 over Big Ditch Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.