US Bridges

M-140 over Paw Paw Lake Outlet

Good

Berrien County, Michigan · 1.7 MI N of Watervliet · Structure no. 000000000000911

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 2022
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,525
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-140 over Paw Paw Lake Outlet is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-140 over Paw Paw Lake Outlet in Berrien County, Michigan. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 2022, so it is 67 years old, older 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 4,525 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,000 by 2042. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-140
CrossesPaw Paw Lake Outlet
Location1.7 MI N of Watervliet
RouteState Highway 140
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.20688, -86.24751
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating82.5 US tons
Inventory rating63.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.4 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,525 (2022)
Projected traffic5,000 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-140 over Paw Paw Lake Outlet built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2022.

What condition is M-140 over Paw Paw Lake Outlet 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does M-140 over Paw Paw Lake Outlet carry?

About 4,525 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is M-140 over Paw Paw Lake Outlet?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.4 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns M-140 over Paw Paw Lake Outlet?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.