US Bridges

Bertrand Road over ST Joseph River

Fair

Berrien County, Michigan · 2.7 MI S of Niles · Structure no. 000000000000958

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
392 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,193
2007 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bertrand Road over ST Joseph River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bertrand Road over ST Joseph River in Berrien County, Michigan. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1983, so it is 95 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 3,193 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,000 by 2027. The structure is 392 ft (119.5 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesBertrand Road
CrossesST Joseph River
Location2.7 MI S of Niles
RouteCounty Highway 1163
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.77451, -86.26658
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74.6 US tons
Inventory rating44.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length392 ft (119.5 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.8 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,193 (2007)
Projected traffic4,000 by 2027
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Bertrand Road over ST Joseph River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is Bertrand Road over ST Joseph 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 Bertrand Road over ST Joseph River carry?

About 3,193 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Bertrand Road over ST Joseph River?

The structure is 392 ft (119.5 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.8 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns Bertrand Road over ST Joseph River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.