US Bridges

M-139 over ST Joseph River

Fair

Berrien County, Michigan · In Berrien Springs · Structure no. 000000000000874

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
400 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
11,806
2007 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 1994, so it is 31 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 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 11,806 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,430 by 2018. The structure is 400 ft (121.9 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-139
CrossesST Joseph River
LocationIn Berrien Springs
RouteState Highway 139
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.94929, -86.33416
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating43.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length400 ft (121.9 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.4 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,806 (2007)
Projected traffic22,430 by 2018
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was M-139 over ST Joseph River built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 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 11,806 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is M-139 over ST Joseph River?

The structure is 400 ft (121.9 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.4 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns M-139 over ST Joseph River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.