US Bridges

Copp Road over Mei Li Creek

Fair

Berrien County, Michigan · 4 MI SW of Niles · Structure no. 000000000001005

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
639
2007 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Copp Road over Mei Li Creek is a steel culvert carrying Copp Road over Mei Li Creek in Berrien County, Michigan. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 639 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2027. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCopp Road
CrossesMei Li Creek
Location4 MI SW of Niles
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.76377, -86.2746
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating22.8 US tons
Inventory rating13.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic639 (2007)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2027
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 Copp Road over Mei Li Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is Copp Road over Mei Li Creek 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 Copp Road over Mei Li Creek carry?

About 639 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Copp Road over Mei Li Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m).

Who owns Copp Road over Mei Li Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.