US Bridges

Hochberger Road over Pipestone Creek

FairPosted for load

Berrien County, Michigan · 3 MI N of Eau Claire · Structure no. 000000000001024

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
491
2007 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hochberger Road over Pipestone Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Hochberger Road over Pipestone Creek in Berrien County, Michigan. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 491 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 800 by 2027. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesHochberger Road
CrossesPipestone Creek
Location3 MI N of Eau Claire
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.02767, -86.31014
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating25.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic491 (2007)
Projected traffic800 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$45,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Hochberger Road over Pipestone Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Hochberger Road over Pipestone 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 Hochberger Road over Pipestone Creek carry?

About 491 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Hochberger Road over Pipestone Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Hochberger Road over Pipestone Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.