US Bridges

Bittersweet RD over ST Joseph River

Fair

St. Joseph County, Indiana · 00.70 N of SR 933 · Structure no. 7100010

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
394 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
12,755
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bittersweet RD over ST Joseph River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bittersweet RD over ST Joseph River in St. Joseph County, Indiana. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 71 years old, older than the Indiana average of 46.6 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 12,755 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,564 by 2042. The structure is 394 ft (120.2 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBittersweet RD
CrossesST Joseph River
Location00.70 N of SR 933
RouteCity Street 0
CountySt. Joseph County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.67334, -86.10955
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.7 US tons
Inventory rating38.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length394 ft (120.2 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width62 ft (18.8 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,755 (2022)
Projected traffic15,564 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Bittersweet RD over ST Joseph River built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is Bittersweet RD over ST Joseph 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Bittersweet RD over ST Joseph River carry?

About 12,755 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Bittersweet RD over ST Joseph River?

The structure is 394 ft (120.2 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns Bittersweet RD over ST Joseph River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.