US Bridges

M-40 over Paw Paw River

Fair

Van Buren County, Michigan · 4.0 MI N of Paw Paw · Structure no. 000000000010732

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,684
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-40 over Paw Paw River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-40 over Paw Paw River in Van Buren County, Michigan. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 100 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 6 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 5,684 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,715 by 2018. The structure is 35 ft (10.8 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesM-40
CrossesPaw Paw River
Location4.0 MI N of Paw Paw
RouteState Highway 40
CountyVan Buren County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.27104, -85.87873
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.8 US tons
Inventory rating46.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length35 ft (10.8 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.5 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,684 (2007)
Projected traffic7,715 by 2018
Trucks7%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-40 over Paw Paw River built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is M-40 over 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does M-40 over Paw Paw River carry?

About 5,684 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is M-40 over Paw Paw River?

The structure is 35 ft (10.8 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.5 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns M-40 over Paw Paw River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.