US Bridges

I-94 Bl over ST Joseph River

Fair

Berrien County, Michigan · 0.3 MI W of Riverview · Structure no. 000000000000778

Built
1976
49 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
571 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,850
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-94 Bl over ST Joseph River is a steel movable - bascule carrying I-94 Bl over ST Joseph River in Berrien County, Michigan. It was built in 1976 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 49 years old, older than the Michigan average of 48.3 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 7,850 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,467 by 2025. The structure is 571 ft (174 m) long and 73 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-94 Bl
CrossesST Joseph River
Location0.3 MI W of Riverview
RouteInterstate 94
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.11207, -86.47038
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length571 ft (174 m)
Longest span150 ft (45.7 m)
Deck width73 ft (22.1 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,850 (2021)
Projected traffic11,467 by 2025
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 I-94 Bl over ST Joseph River built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is I-94 Bl 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does I-94 Bl over ST Joseph River carry?

About 7,850 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is I-94 Bl over ST Joseph River?

The structure is 571 ft (174 m) long with a longest span of 150 ft (45.7 m) and a deck 73 ft wide.

Who owns I-94 Bl over ST Joseph River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.