US Bridges

M-139 over ST Joseph River

Fair

Berrien County, Michigan · In City of Niles · Structure no. 000000000000857

Built
2015
10 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
368 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,950
2008 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-139 over ST Joseph River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-139 over ST Joseph River in Berrien County, Michigan. It was built in 2015, so it is 10 years old, younger 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 9,950 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,520 by 2035. The structure is 368 ft (112.2 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-139
CrossesST Joseph River
LocationIn City of Niles
RouteState Highway 139
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.82984, -86.2599
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating66.8 US tons
Inventory rating38.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length368 ft (112.2 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.7 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,950 (2008)
Projected traffic10,520 by 2035
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-139 over ST Joseph River built?

It was built in 2015, making it 10 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-139 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 M-139 over ST Joseph River carry?

About 9,950 vehicles per day (2008 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is M-139 over ST Joseph River?

The structure is 368 ft (112.2 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.7 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns M-139 over ST Joseph River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.