US Bridges

Minnich Road over Galien River

Fair

Berrien County, Michigan · 2 MI W of New Troy · Structure no. 000000000001009

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
59 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
307
2007 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Minnich Road over Galien River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Minnich Road over Galien River in Berrien County, Michigan. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 307 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 490 by 2027. The structure is 59 ft (17.9 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMinnich Road
CrossesGalien River
Location2 MI W of New Troy
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.87365, -86.57544
Functional classRural Local

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.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating64.6 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length59 ft (17.9 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic307 (2007)
Projected traffic490 by 2027
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$38,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Minnich Road over Galien River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Minnich Road over Galien 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 Minnich Road over Galien River carry?

About 307 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Minnich Road over Galien River?

The structure is 59 ft (17.9 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Minnich Road over Galien River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.