US Bridges

M-239 Laporte Road over I-94

Fair

Berrien County, Michigan · 0.8 MI SE of New Buffalo · Structure no. 000000000000780

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
242 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,400
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-239 Laporte Road over I-94 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-239 Laporte Road over I-94 in Berrien County, Michigan. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 6,400 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,360 by 2036. The structure is 242 ft (73.9 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-239 Laporte Road
CrossesI-94
Location0.8 MI SE of New Buffalo
RouteState Highway 239
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.77445, -86.73072
Functional classRural 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.6 US tons
Inventory rating38.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length242 ft (73.9 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.7 m)
Roadway width58 ft (17.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,400 (2016)
Projected traffic7,360 by 2036
Trucks28%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was M-239 Laporte Road over I-94 built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-239 Laporte Road over I-94 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does M-239 Laporte Road over I-94 carry?

About 6,400 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is M-239 Laporte Road over I-94?

The structure is 242 ft (73.9 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns M-239 Laporte Road over I-94?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.