US Bridges

M-52 over Letts Drain

Fair

Washtenaw County, Michigan · In Chelsea · Structure no. 000000000010809

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
16,199
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-52 over Letts Drain is a concrete tee beam carrying M-52 over Letts Drain in Washtenaw County, Michigan. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 16,199 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,744 by 2018. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-52
CrossesLetts Drain
LocationIn Chelsea
RouteState Highway 52
CountyWashtenaw County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.32375, -84.02075
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating74.6 US tons
Inventory rating44.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.5 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,199 (2007)
Projected traffic18,744 by 2018
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$25,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-52 over Letts Drain built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-52 over Letts Drain 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does M-52 over Letts Drain carry?

About 16,199 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is M-52 over Letts Drain?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns M-52 over Letts Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.