US Bridges

Walton Road over ST Joseph River

Fair

Berrien County, Michigan · E City Limit Buchanan · Structure no. 000000000000994

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
528 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,196
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Walton Road over ST Joseph River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Walton Road 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 3,196 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,305 by 2040. The structure is 528 ft (160.9 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWalton Road
CrossesST Joseph River
LocationE City Limit Buchanan
RouteCounty Highway 1122
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.83726, -86.34588
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.
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; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.1 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length528 ft (160.9 m)
Longest span147 ft (44.8 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,196 (2020)
Projected traffic4,305 by 2040
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Walton Road over ST Joseph River built?

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

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

About 3,196 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Walton Road over ST Joseph River?

The structure is 528 ft (160.9 m) long with a longest span of 147 ft (44.8 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns Walton Road over ST Joseph River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.