US Bridges

Defield Road over Paw Paw River

Good

Berrien County, Michigan · N City Limits of Coloma · Structure no. 000000000001010

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
94 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,917
2007 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Defield Road over Paw Paw River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Defield Road over Paw Paw River in Berrien County, Michigan. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,917 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,000 by 2027. The structure is 94 ft (28.6 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesDefield Road
CrossesPaw Paw River
LocationN City Limits of Coloma
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.1956, -86.3106
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating92.8 US tons
Inventory rating55.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length94 ft (28.6 m)
Longest span91 ft (27.7 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,917 (2007)
Projected traffic3,000 by 2027
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Defield Road over Paw Paw River built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Defield Road over Paw Paw River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does Defield Road over Paw Paw River carry?

About 1,917 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Defield Road over Paw Paw River?

The structure is 94 ft (28.6 m) long with a longest span of 91 ft (27.7 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Defield Road over Paw Paw River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.