US Bridges

Highland Avenue over Ox Creek

Fair

Berrien County, Michigan · 1 Blk W of Paw Paw Ave · Structure no. 000000000001049

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,000
1989 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Highland Avenue over Ox Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Highland Avenue over Ox Creek in Berrien County, Michigan. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 3,000 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,000 by 2011. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHighland Avenue
CrossesOx Creek
Location1 Blk W of Paw Paw Ave
RouteCity Street 2013
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.11613, -86.44816
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,000 (1989)
Projected traffic3,000 by 2011
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$17,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Highland Avenue over Ox Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is Highland Avenue over Ox 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Highland Avenue over Ox Creek carry?

About 3,000 vehicles per day (1989 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Highland Avenue over Ox Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns Highland Avenue over Ox Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.