US Bridges

M-63 over CSX RR & Whitwam Drive

Fair

Berrien County, Michigan · In ST Joseph · Structure no. 000000000000881

Built
2000
25 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
335 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
11,171
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-63 over CSX RR & Whitwam Drive is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-63 over CSX RR & Whitwam Drive in Berrien County, Michigan. It was built in 2000, so it is 25 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 11,171 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,386 by 2018. The structure is 335 ft (102.1 m) long and 74 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-63
CrossesCSX RR & Whitwam Drive
LocationIn ST Joseph
RouteState Highway 63
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.11595, -86.47492
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.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74.3 US tons
Inventory rating16.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length335 ft (102.1 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width74 ft (22.7 m)
Roadway width55 ft (16.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,171 (2007)
Projected traffic12,386 by 2018
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was M-63 over CSX RR & Whitwam Drive built?

It was built in 2000, making it 25 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-63 over CSX RR & Whitwam Drive 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 M-63 over CSX RR & Whitwam Drive carry?

About 11,171 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is M-63 over CSX RR & Whitwam Drive?

The structure is 335 ft (102.1 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 74 ft wide.

Who owns M-63 over CSX RR & Whitwam Drive?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.