US Bridges

Hinchman Road over Hickory Drain

Poor

Berrien County, Michigan · 0.25 MI W of Lincoln Ave · Structure no. 000000000013093

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,521
2007 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hinchman Road over Hickory Drain is a steel culvert carrying Hinchman Road over Hickory Drain in Berrien County, Michigan. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 years old, older than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,521 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,800 by 2027. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHinchman Road
CrossesHickory Drain
Location0.25 MI W of Lincoln Ave
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.97111, -86.48265
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating107.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,521 (2007)
Projected traffic1,800 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$180,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Hinchman Road over Hickory Drain built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is Hinchman Road over Hickory Drain in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does Hinchman Road over Hickory Drain carry?

About 1,521 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Hinchman Road over Hickory Drain?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2 m).

Who owns Hinchman Road over Hickory Drain?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.