US Bridges

M-63 over ST Joseph River

Fair

Berrien County, Michigan · In ST Joseph · Structure no. 000000000000880

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 2007
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
713 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
11,015
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-63 over ST Joseph River is a steel movable - bascule carrying M-63 over ST Joseph River in Berrien County, Michigan. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 2007, so it is 76 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 11,015 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,386 by 2025. The structure is 713 ft (217.3 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-63
CrossesST Joseph River
LocationIn ST Joseph
RouteState Highway 63
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.11277, -86.47756
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
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+6 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length713 ft (217.3 m)
Longest span164 ft (50 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.6 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,015 (2021)
Projected traffic12,386 by 2025
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was M-63 over ST Joseph River built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2007.

What condition is M-63 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does M-63 over ST Joseph River carry?

About 11,015 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is M-63 over ST Joseph River?

The structure is 713 ft (217.3 m) long with a longest span of 164 ft (50 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns M-63 over ST Joseph River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.