US Bridges

Riley Road over ST Joseph River

FairPosted for load

Branch County, Michigan · Sherwood Twp Sec 11 · Structure no. 000000000001176

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
130 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
322
2004 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Riley Road over ST Joseph River is a wood or timber slab carrying Riley Road over ST Joseph River in Branch County, Michigan. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 322 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 444 by 2024. The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRiley Road
CrossesST Joseph River
LocationSherwood Twp Sec 11
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBranch County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.04339, -85.20404
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating46.3 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length130 ft (39.6 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic322 (2004)
Projected traffic444 by 2024
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$550,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Riley Road over ST Joseph River built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Riley Road over ST Joseph 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 2024.

How much traffic does Riley Road over ST Joseph River carry?

About 322 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Riley Road over ST Joseph River?

The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Riley Road over ST Joseph River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.