US Bridges

I-196 SB over Paw Paw River

Fair

Berrien County, Michigan · 5.0 MI NE Benton Harbor · Structure no. 000000000000920

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
201 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,900
2010 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-196 SB over Paw Paw River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-196 SB over Paw Paw River in Berrien County, Michigan. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 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 14,900 vehicles a day, roughly 32% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,730 by 2018. The structure is 201 ft (61.3 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-196 SB
CrossesPaw Paw River
Location5.0 MI NE Benton Harbor
RouteInterstate 196
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.16686, -86.37329
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating68.6 US tons
Inventory rating41.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length201 ft (61.3 m)
Longest span67 ft (20.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,900 (2010)
Projected traffic10,730 by 2018
Trucks32%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I-196 SB over Paw Paw River built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-196 SB over Paw Paw River 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does I-196 SB over Paw Paw River carry?

About 14,900 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 32% are trucks.

How long is I-196 SB over Paw Paw River?

The structure is 201 ft (61.3 m) long with a longest span of 67 ft (20.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I-196 SB over Paw Paw River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.