US Bridges

Old M-78 HWY over ST Joseph River

Good

Branch County, Michigan · Sherwood Twp Sec 21-22 · Structure no. 000000000001123

Built
2015
10 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
160 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
777
2012 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old M-78 HWY over ST Joseph River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Old M-78 HWY over ST Joseph River in Branch County, Michigan. It was built in 2015, so it is 10 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 777 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,400 by 2024. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld M-78 HWY
CrossesST Joseph River
LocationSherwood Twp Sec 21-22
RouteCounty Highway 1209
CountyBranch County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.02664, -85.2348
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating97.1 US tons
Inventory rating70.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span98 ft (29.9 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic777 (2012)
Projected traffic2,400 by 2024
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$675,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old M-78 HWY over ST Joseph River built?

It was built in 2015, making it 10 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old M-78 HWY over ST Joseph 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Old M-78 HWY over ST Joseph River carry?

About 777 vehicles per day (2012 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Old M-78 HWY over ST Joseph River?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 98 ft (29.9 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Old M-78 HWY over ST Joseph River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.