US Bridges

Ironwood Drive over ST Joseph River

Fair

St. Joseph County, Indiana · 00.20 N SR 933 · Structure no. 7100033

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
479 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,593
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ironwood Drive over ST Joseph River is a concrete arch - deck carrying Ironwood Drive over ST Joseph River in St. Joseph County, Indiana. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 2011, so it is 96 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 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 15,593 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,026 by 2041. The structure is 479 ft (145.9 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIronwood Drive
CrossesST Joseph River
Location00.20 N SR 933
RouteCity Street 0
CountySt. Joseph County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.66139, -86.21519
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 rating35.9 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length479 ft (145.9 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.6 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,593 (2021)
Projected traffic19,026 by 2041
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$3.4 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ironwood Drive over ST Joseph River built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is Ironwood Drive 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 Ironwood Drive over ST Joseph River carry?

About 15,593 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Ironwood Drive over ST Joseph River?

The structure is 479 ft (145.9 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns Ironwood Drive over ST Joseph River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.