US Bridges

I-94 over Blue Creek

Fair

Berrien County, Michigan · 3.0 MI E of Benton Harbor · Structure no. 000000000000829

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
56,570
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-94 over Blue Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying I-94 over Blue Creek in Berrien County, Michigan. It was built in 1960, 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 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 56,570 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 71,820 by 2018. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 159 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-94
CrossesBlue Creek
Location3.0 MI E of Benton Harbor
RouteInterstate 94
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.12718, -86.37889
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating42.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width159 ft (48.6 m)
Roadway width138 ft (42.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic56,570 (2007)
Projected traffic71,820 by 2018
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-94 over Blue Creek built?

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

What condition is I-94 over Blue Creek 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does I-94 over Blue Creek carry?

About 56,570 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is I-94 over Blue Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 159 ft wide.

Who owns I-94 over Blue Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.