US Bridges

M-138 over Northwest Drain

Fair

Tuscola County, Michigan · 2.2 MI W of Fairgrove · Structure no. 000000000010398

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,305
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-138 over Northwest Drain is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-138 over Northwest Drain in Tuscola County, Michigan. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 1,305 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,112 by 2018. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-138
CrossesNorthwest Drain
Location2.2 MI W of Fairgrove
RouteState Highway 138
CountyTuscola County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.52318, -83.58657
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.9 US tons
Inventory rating40.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,305 (2007)
Projected traffic2,112 by 2018
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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-138 over Northwest Drain built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-138 over Northwest 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does M-138 over Northwest Drain carry?

About 1,305 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is M-138 over Northwest Drain?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns M-138 over Northwest Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.