US Bridges

Paw Paw Avenue over Paw Paw River

Fair

Berrien County, Michigan · 0.5 MI N Territorial RD · Structure no. 000000000001054

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,620
1984 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Paw Paw Avenue over Paw Paw River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Paw Paw Avenue over Paw Paw River in Berrien County, Michigan. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 98 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 4,620 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,000 by 2011. The structure is 120 ft (36.5 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesPaw Paw Avenue
CrossesPaw Paw River
Location0.5 MI N Territorial RD
RouteCity Street 2013
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.12508, -86.44817
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.1 US tons
Inventory rating36.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length120 ft (36.5 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,620 (1984)
Projected traffic6,000 by 2011
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Paw Paw Avenue over Paw Paw River built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is Paw Paw Avenue over Paw Paw 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Paw Paw Avenue over Paw Paw River carry?

About 4,620 vehicles per day (1984 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Paw Paw Avenue over Paw Paw River?

The structure is 120 ft (36.5 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Paw Paw Avenue over Paw Paw River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.