US Bridges

Schmuhl Road over I-196

Fair

Berrien County, Michigan · 1.5 MI N of I-94 · Structure no. 000000000000926

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
213 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,632
1996 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Schmuhl Road over I-196 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Schmuhl Road over I-196 in Berrien County, Michigan. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 1,632 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,877 by 2016. The structure is 213 ft (64.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesSchmuhl Road
CrossesI-196
Location1.5 MI N of I-94
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.16412, -86.37187
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length213 ft (64.9 m)
Longest span71 ft (21.6 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,632 (1996)
Projected traffic1,877 by 2016
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Schmuhl Road over I-196 built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is Schmuhl Road over I-196 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Schmuhl Road over I-196 carry?

About 1,632 vehicles per day (1996 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Schmuhl Road over I-196?

The structure is 213 ft (64.9 m) long with a longest span of 71 ft (21.6 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Schmuhl Road over I-196?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.