US Bridges

US-31 over Lemon Creek

Good

Berrien County, Michigan · 1.5 MI N of Snow Road · Structure no. 000000000000893

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
11,984
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-31 over Lemon Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US-31 over Lemon Creek in Berrien County, Michigan. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 11,984 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,828 by 2018. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS-31
CrossesLemon Creek
Location1.5 MI N of Snow Road
RouteU.S. Route 31
Coordinates41.95026, -86.37501
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74.8 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,984 (2007)
Projected traffic12,828 by 2018
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-31 over Lemon Creek built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-31 over Lemon Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does US-31 over Lemon Creek carry?

About 11,984 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US-31 over Lemon Creek?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m).

Who owns US-31 over Lemon Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.