US Bridges

US-31 NB over AMTRAK RR

Fair

Berrien County, Michigan · 3.5 MI SW of Niles · Structure no. 000000000000896

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
172 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,122
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-31 NB over AMTRAK RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-31 NB 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 8,122 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,964 by 2018. The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-31 NB
CrossesAMTRAK RR
Location3.5 MI SW of Niles
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.80826, -86.317
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.3 US tons
Inventory rating49.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length172 ft (52.4 m)
Longest span59 ft (17.9 m)
Deck width46 ft (13.9 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,122 (2007)
Projected traffic9,964 by 2018
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-31 NB over AMTRAK RR built?

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

What condition is US-31 NB 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 NB over AMTRAK RR carry?

About 8,122 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US-31 NB 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 46 ft wide.

Who owns US-31 NB over AMTRAK RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.