M-21 Stoney Creek Bridge

Bridge Documented: Summer 2008

Photographer(s): Nathan Holth

Key Facts

	Bridge Name	Facility Carried / Feature Intersected	Location	Structure Type	Construction Date / Builder or Contractor
	M-21 Stoney Creek Bridge	M-21 (Bluewater Highway) Over Stoney Creek	Rural: Ionia County, Michigan	Metal Stringer, Stationary	1930 By: L. W. Lamb Company of Jackson, Michigan

Technical Facts

Main Span Length	Structure Length	Roadway Width	Main Spans
50 Feet (15.2 Meters)	100 Feet (30.5 Meters)	40 Feet (12.2 Meters)	2

The Ionia County stretch of M-21 is known as Bluewater Highway. The name of the highway likely refers to the original eastern terminus of M-21 which was Port Huron, which is located in a region known as the Bluewater area. 

There are three 1930 stringer bridges along M-21 in Ionia County, all three following an attractive state standard plan, and the Stoney Creek Bridge is the second largest example. It retains excellent historic and structural integrity, including only minimal spalling to the attractive railings, which was repaired in 2006. The only major alteration of note is the addition of Armco railings to the bridge. This severely hinders the view of the attractive balustrades for passing motorists, but those who stop to photograph the bridge will still appreciate the quality views which can be had from beside the creek.