US Bridges

M-28 over Clarks Ditch

Fair

Schoolcraft County, Michigan · 6.2 MI W of Luce CO Line · Structure no. 000000000009694

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,973
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-28 over Clarks Ditch is a concrete tee beam carrying M-28 over Clarks Ditch in Schoolcraft County, Michigan. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 1,973 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,293 by 2018. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 60.3 mi (97 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-28
CrossesClarks Ditch
Location6.2 MI W of Luce CO Line
RouteState Highway 28
CountySchoolcraft County
StateMichigan
Coordinates46.34506, -85.99018
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66.8 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.2 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,973 (2007)
Projected traffic3,293 by 2018
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed60.3 mi (97 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-28 over Clarks Ditch built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-28 over Clarks Ditch 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does M-28 over Clarks Ditch carry?

About 1,973 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is M-28 over Clarks Ditch?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.2 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns M-28 over Clarks Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.