US Bridges

Benton Center Road over I-94 & Blue Creek

Fair

Berrien County, Michigan · 3.0 MI E of Benton Harbor · Structure no. 000000000000843

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
410 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,189
2010 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Benton Center Road over I-94 & Blue Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Benton Center Road over I-94 & 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 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 1,189 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,367 by 2030. The structure is 410 ft (125 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBenton Center Road
CrossesI-94 & Blue Creek
Location3.0 MI E of Benton Harbor
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.12765, -86.37862
Functional classUrban Collector

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 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 on dry land well above flood water elevations
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
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.1 US tons
Inventory rating33.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length410 ft (125 m)
Longest span96 ft (29.3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,189 (2010)
Projected traffic1,367 by 2030
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Benton Center Road over I-94 & Blue Creek built?

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

What condition is Benton Center Road over I-94 & 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 Benton Center Road over I-94 & Blue Creek carry?

About 1,189 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Benton Center Road over I-94 & Blue Creek?

The structure is 410 ft (125 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Benton Center Road over I-94 & Blue Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.