US Bridges

M-51 over I-94

Fair

Van Buren County, Michigan · At M-51 · Structure no. 000000000010708

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 2006
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
241 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,992
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-51 over I-94 is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying M-51 over I-94 in Van Buren County, Michigan. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 2006, 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 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 5,992 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 45,000 by 2026. The structure is 241 ft (73.6 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-51
CrossesI-94
LocationAt M-51
RouteState Highway 51
CountyVan Buren County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.1992, -85.96611
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.3 US tons
Inventory rating33.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length241 ft (73.6 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.4 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,992 (2007)
Projected traffic45,000 by 2026
Trucks28%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was M-51 over I-94 built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2006.

What condition is M-51 over I-94 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does M-51 over I-94 carry?

About 5,992 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is M-51 over I-94?

The structure is 241 ft (73.6 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns M-51 over I-94?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.