US Bridges

M-43 over N Branch Paw Paw River

Fair

Van Buren County, Michigan · 1.5 MI W of 26 TH Street · Structure no. 000000000010729

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,085
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-43 over N Branch Paw Paw River is a steel culvert carrying M-43 over N Branch Paw Paw River in Van Buren County, Michigan. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 7,085 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,421 by 2018. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-43
CrossesN Branch Paw Paw River
Location1.5 MI W of 26 TH Street
RouteState Highway 43
CountyVan Buren County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.30149, -85.82795
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: 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 rating107.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,085 (2007)
Projected traffic14,421 by 2018
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$77,000 (2050 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-43 over N Branch Paw Paw River built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-43 over N Branch Paw Paw River 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does M-43 over N Branch Paw Paw River carry?

About 7,085 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is M-43 over N Branch Paw Paw River?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m).

Who owns M-43 over N Branch Paw Paw River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.