US Bridges

I-69 NB over ST Joseph River

Fair

Calhoun County, Michigan · 1.2 MI N of Branch Col · Structure no. 000000000001215

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
130 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,063
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-69 NB over ST Joseph River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-69 NB over ST Joseph River in Calhoun County, Michigan. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 12,063 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,872 by 2040. The structure is 130 ft (39.7 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-69 NB
CrossesST Joseph River
Location1.2 MI N of Branch Col
RouteInterstate 69
CountyCalhoun County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.08764, -84.99762
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.6 US tons
Inventory rating46.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length130 ft (39.7 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,063 (2020)
Projected traffic13,872 by 2040
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-69 NB over ST Joseph River built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-69 NB 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does I-69 NB over ST Joseph River carry?

About 12,063 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is I-69 NB over ST Joseph River?

The structure is 130 ft (39.7 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I-69 NB over ST Joseph River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.