US Bridges

I-94 WB over ST Joseph River

Fair

Berrien County, Michigan · 3.0 MI S of Benton Harbor · Structure no. 000000000000828

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 1965
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
644 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
34,063
2014 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-94 WB over ST Joseph River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-94 WB over ST Joseph River in Berrien County, Michigan. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1965, so it is 65 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 34,063 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,163 by 2035. The structure is 644 ft (196.3 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-94 WB
CrossesST Joseph River
Location3.0 MI S of Benton Harbor
RouteInterstate 94
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.06246, -86.44848
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
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.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating83.2 US tons
Inventory rating49.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length644 ft (196.3 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.2 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34,063 (2014)
Projected traffic36,163 by 2035
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 WB over ST Joseph River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1965.

What condition is I-94 WB 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 July 2024.

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

About 34,063 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

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

The structure is 644 ft (196.3 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns I-94 WB over ST Joseph River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.