HistoricBridges.org Menu: HistoricBridges.org Menu:


We Recommend:
Bach Steel - Experts at historic truss bridge restoration.

HistoricBridges.org: Bridge Browser

M-65 Bridge

Five Channels Bridge

M-65 Bridge

Primary Photographer(s): Nathan Holth

Bridge Documented: June 16, 2003, October 1, 2004, and October 2, 2011

View Photos
and Videos
View Maps
and Links

Facility Carried / Feature Intersected
M-65 (Old Alignment) Over Ausable River
Location
Rural: Iosco County, Michigan: United States
Structure Type
Metal 9 Panel Rivet-Connected Parker Pony Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Concrete Deck Girder, Fixed
Construction Date and Builder / Engineer
1930 By Builder/Contractor: Walter Toebe Company and Engineer/Design: Michigan State Highway Department
Rehabilitation Date
1998
Main Span Length
119.8 Feet (36.5 Meters)
Structure Length
320.0 Feet (97.5 Meters)
Roadway Width
23.3 Feet (7.1 Meters)
Spans
2 Main Span(s) and 2 Approach Span(s)
Inventory Number
35135012000B020

Historic Significance Rating (HSR)
View Information About HSR Ratings

Bridge Documentation

This bridge is a rare surviving example of a Michigan State Highway Department standard plan truss bridge in Michigan. This design of bridge was the last standardized truss bridge to be constructed in Michigan. The design is distinguished by its massive members, Parker pony truss configuration, and the unusual use of lattice on the top of the top chord and end post instead of cover plate. This bridge is the only surviving multi-span example of this standard plan truss in Michigan. There also is no other highway pony truss in Michigan that exceeds the long 120 foot span length of this bridge. The bridge was rehabilitated in 1998 but after only a handful of years, MDOT had decided to slightly realign M-65 and construct a new high level bridge. Unlike many states however, MDOT did not demolish the historic bridge and instead continued to own the historic bridge, allowing it to stand next to its replacement as a non-motorized crossing, later planning to also allow snowmobile use on the bridge. Thanks to the rehabilitation that occurred only a few years before the bridge's vehicular service ended, the bridge remains in excellent condition today. During rehabilitation, MDOT replicated the original balustrade railings on the approach girder and abutment. The original railings had been replaced years ago. The bridge today retains excellent historic integrity. The bottom chord was filled with concrete at an unknown date. A previous rehabilitation occurred in 1973. The bridge is officially listed as historic on Michigan's Historic Bridge Inventory.

View Archived National Bridge Inventory Report - Has Additional Details and Evaluation

Above: Panoramic view of bridge. Photo Credit: Hans Goeckner

Divider

Photo Galleries and Videos: M-65 Bridge

 

View Photo Gallery

Structure Overview

Original / Full Size Photos
A collection of overview photos that show the bridge as a whole and general areas of the bridge. This gallery offers photos in the highest available resolution and file size in a touch-friendly popup viewer.
Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer

Divider

View Photo Gallery

Structure Details

Original / Full Size Photos
A collection of detail photos that document the parts, construction, and condition of the bridge. This gallery offers photos in the highest available resolution and file size in a touch-friendly popup viewer.
Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer

Divider

View Photo Gallery

Structure Overview

Mobile Optimized Photos
A collection of overview photos that show the bridge as a whole and general areas of the bridge. This gallery features data-friendly, fast-loading photos in a touch-friendly popup viewer.
Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer

Divider

View Photo Gallery

Structure Details

Mobile Optimized Photos
A collection of detail photos that document the parts, construction, and condition of the bridge. This gallery features data-friendly, fast-loading photos in a touch-friendly popup viewer.
Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer

Divider

Maps and Links: M-65 Bridge

Coordinates (Latitude, Longitude):

Search For Additional Bridge Listings:

Bridgehunter.com: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge.

Bridgehunter.com: View listed bridges within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of this bridge.

HistoricBridges.org Bridge Browser: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge.

HistoricBridges.org Bridge Browser: View listed bridges within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of this bridge.

2021 National Bridge Inventory: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge.

Additional Maps:

Google Maps

Google Streetview (If Available)

Bing Maps

OpenStreetMap

GeoHack (Additional Links and Coordinates)

Apple Maps (Via DuckDuckGo Search)

Apple Maps (Apple devices only)

MapQuest

HERE We Go Maps

ACME Mapper

Waze Map

Android: Open Location In Your Map or GPS App

Flickr Gallery (Find Nearby Photos)

Wikimedia Commons (Find Nearby Photos)

Directions Via Sygic For Android

Directions Via Sygic For iOS and Android Dolphin Browser

USGS National Map (United States Only)

Historical USGS Topo Maps (United States Only)

Historic Aerials (United States Only)

CalTopo Maps (United States Only)


Divider
 
Home Top

Divider

About - Contact

© Copyright 2003-2024, HistoricBridges.org. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer: HistoricBridges.org is a volunteer group of private citizens. HistoricBridges.org is NOT a government agency, does not represent or work with any governmental agencies, nor is it in any way associated with any government agency or any non-profit organization. While we strive for accuracy in our factual content, HistoricBridges.org offers no guarantee of accuracy. Information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Information could include technical inaccuracies or errors of omission. Opinions and commentary are the opinions of the respective HistoricBridges.org member who made them and do not necessarily represent the views of anyone else, including any outside photographers whose images may appear on the page in which the commentary appears. HistoricBridges.org does not bear any responsibility for any consequences resulting from the use of this or any other HistoricBridges.org information. Owners and users of bridges have the responsibility of correctly following all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, regardless of any HistoricBridges.org information.

Admin Login

Divider