US Bridges

J Drive South over So Br Kalamazoo River

Fair

Calhoun County, Michigan · 5 MI S of Albion · Structure no. 000000000001340

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
72 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
92
1994 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

J Drive South over So Br Kalamazoo River is a wood or timber slab carrying J Drive South over So Br Kalamazoo River in Calhoun County, Michigan. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 92 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 172 by 2024. The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesJ Drive South
CrossesSo Br Kalamazoo River
Location5 MI S of Albion
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCalhoun County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.17386, -84.79145
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.8 US tons
Inventory rating43.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length72 ft (21.9 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic92 (1994)
Projected traffic172 by 2024
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was J Drive South over So Br Kalamazoo River built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is J Drive South over So Br Kalamazoo 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does J Drive South over So Br Kalamazoo River carry?

About 92 vehicles per day (1994 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is J Drive South over So Br Kalamazoo River?

The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns J Drive South over So Br Kalamazoo River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.