US Bridges

Helmer Road over I-94

Fair

Calhoun County, Michigan · 3.0 MI E of Kalamazoo Col · Structure no. 000000000001250

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
256 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,000
1974 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Helmer Road over I-94 is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Helmer Road over I-94 in Calhoun County, Michigan. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 3,000 vehicles a day, projected to reach 3,000 by 1977. The structure is 256 ft (78.1 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHelmer Road
CrossesI-94
Location3.0 MI E of Kalamazoo Col
RouteCity Street 2011
CountyCalhoun County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.2653, -85.23795
Functional classUrban 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.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.7 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length256 ft (78.1 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.6 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,000 (1974)
Projected traffic3,000 by 1977
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Helmer Road over I-94 built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is Helmer Road over I-94 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Helmer Road over I-94 carry?

About 3,000 vehicles per day (1974 count).

How long is Helmer Road over I-94?

The structure is 256 ft (78.1 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.6 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Helmer Road over I-94?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.