The Michigan Department of Transportation is calling attention to the poor condition of some of the state’s bridges. Officials say that, unless funding for repairs is increased, as many as 100 trunkline bridges may need to be closed by 2035.
Perhaps the shakiest is the M-69 bridge over the Michigamme River in Iron County. In an MDOT video release, assistant bridge engineer Jordy Maloney says its deck, beams and substructure are all rated in poor condition…
It was built in 1931, so right now it’s about 94 years old.
Judy Hingas and her husband Patrick own the nearby Michi-Aho Resort and Bait Shop…
When we came here 20 years ago, it was a beautiful bridge, and slowly, every year, we’re watching more of that structure deteriorate.
Maloney says the “poor” ratings don’t mean that the bridge is unsafe – yet…
That simply means that it has deteriorated to a point where we need to start looking at it more closely. We need to monitor it regularly.
Bridges in the Copper Country deemed at risk include…
- The Cliff Drive bridge over the Gratiot River in Keweenaw County, built in 1935;
- The Wood Brush Road bridge over the Traprock River, built in 1900;
- The Lakeshore Drive bridge over the Firesteel River in Ontonagon County, built in 1976;
- The Hazel Swamp Road bridge over the Otter River in Houghton County, built in 1997;
- The Pelkie Road bridge over the Silver River in Baraga County, built in 1950;
- The US-41 culvert at Black Water Creek in Baraga County, built in 1933;
- The US-41 bridge over the Sturgeon River in Baraga County, built in 1947 and rebuilt in 1998;
- The Old M-28 bridge over the Rock River in Baraga County, built in 1924;
- The Gardner Road bridge over the Ontonagon River in Ontonagon County, built in 1954;
- The US-45 bridge over Clear Creek in Ontonagon County, built in 1931;
- The M-64 bridge over the Pine River in Ontonagon County, built in 1968;
- The Old M-107 bridge across the Big Iron River in Ontonagon County, built in 1938;
- The Old M-107 bridge across the Little Iron River in Ontonagon County, built in 1967;
- The Old M-107 bridge across the Union River in Ontonagon County, built in 1976;
- The Main Street bridge over the Mineral River in Ontonagon County, built in 1955.
MDOT maintains an interactive map showing the conditions of bridges across the state. See it here.
