US Bridges

M-46 over Cheboygan & Branches Drn

Poor

Tuscola County, Michigan · 0.3 MI West of Richville · Structure no. 000000000010416

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,701
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-46 over Cheboygan & Branches Drn is a concrete tee beam carrying M-46 over Cheboygan & Branches Drn 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 6,701 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,308 by 2018. The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long and 72 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-46
CrossesCheboygan & Branches Drn
Location0.3 MI West of Richville
RouteState Highway 46
CountyTuscola County
StateMichigan
Coordinates43.40724, -83.67901
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.8 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.8 m)
Deck width72 ft (21.9 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,701 (2007)
Projected traffic7,308 by 2018
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 Cheboygan & Branches Drn built?

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

What condition is M-46 over Cheboygan & Branches Drn 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does M-46 over Cheboygan & Branches Drn carry?

About 6,701 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is M-46 over Cheboygan & Branches Drn?

The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.8 m) and a deck 72 ft wide.

Who owns M-46 over Cheboygan & Branches Drn?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.