US Bridges

M-46 over Houghton Creek

Poor

Tuscola County, Michigan · 5.1 MI W of M-24 · Structure no. 000000000010414

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,255
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-46 over Houghton Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying M-46 over Houghton Creek in Tuscola County, Michigan. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 5,255 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,098 by 2018. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-46
CrossesHoughton Creek
Location5.1 MI W of M-24
RouteState Highway 46
CountyTuscola County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.40887, -83.4832
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating85 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.6 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,255 (2007)
Projected traffic7,098 by 2018
Trucks10%
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-46 over Houghton Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-46 over Houghton 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does M-46 over Houghton Creek carry?

About 5,255 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is M-46 over Houghton Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns M-46 over Houghton Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.