US Bridges

Napier Avenue over ST Joseph River

Fair

Berrien County, Michigan · E City Limit ST Joseph · Structure no. 000000000000975

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
600 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
17,334
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Napier Avenue over ST Joseph River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Napier Avenue over ST Joseph River in Berrien County, Michigan. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 6 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 17,334 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,346 by 2040. The structure is 600 ft (182.9 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNapier Avenue
CrossesST Joseph River
LocationE City Limit ST Joseph
RouteCounty Highway 2013
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.08849, -86.47432
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 20 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72.5 US tons
Inventory rating43.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length600 ft (182.9 m)
Longest span169 ft (51.5 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.6 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,334 (2020)
Projected traffic23,346 by 2040
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$3.6 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Napier Avenue over ST Joseph River built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Napier Avenue 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 Napier Avenue over ST Joseph River carry?

About 17,334 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Napier Avenue over ST Joseph River?

The structure is 600 ft (182.9 m) long with a longest span of 169 ft (51.5 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns Napier Avenue over ST Joseph River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.