US Bridges

US-31 SB Ramp over AMTRAK RR

Fair

Berrien County, Michigan · 3.5 MI SW of Niles · Structure no. 000000000000894

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
172 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,500
1995 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-31 SB Ramp over AMTRAK RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-31 SB Ramp over AMTRAK RR in Berrien County, Michigan. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 5,500 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,500 by 2015. The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-31 SB Ramp
CrossesAMTRAK RR
Location3.5 MI SW of Niles
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.80847, -86.31508
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating100.3 US tons
Inventory rating60 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length172 ft (52.4 m)
Longest span59 ft (17.9 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,500 (1995)
Projected traffic5,500 by 2015
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$48,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-31 SB Ramp over AMTRAK RR built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-31 SB Ramp over AMTRAK RR 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 US-31 SB Ramp over AMTRAK RR carry?

About 5,500 vehicles per day (1995 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is US-31 SB Ramp over AMTRAK RR?

The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (17.9 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns US-31 SB Ramp over AMTRAK RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.