US Bridges

M-63 over Higman Park Road

Fair

Berrien County, Michigan · 1.0 MI N of Benton Harbor · Structure no. 000000000000885

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 2008
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
157 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,650
2008 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-63 over Higman Park Road is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-63 over Higman Park Road in Berrien County, Michigan. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 2008, so it is 71 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 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 8,650 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,600 by 2028. The structure is 157 ft (47.9 m) long and 72 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-63
CrossesHigman Park Road
Location1.0 MI N of Benton Harbor
RouteState Highway 63
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.12651, -86.46476
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.7 US tons
Inventory rating41.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length157 ft (47.9 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width72 ft (21.8 m)
Roadway width69 ft (21.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,650 (2008)
Projected traffic10,600 by 2028
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
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 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 Higman Park Road built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2008.

What condition is M-63 over Higman Park Road 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 Higman Park Road carry?

About 8,650 vehicles per day (2008 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is M-63 over Higman Park Road?

The structure is 157 ft (47.9 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 72 ft wide.

Who owns M-63 over Higman Park Road?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.