US Bridges

M-49 over ST Joseph River

Fair

Hillsdale County, Michigan · In Litchfield · Structure no. 000000000003261

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
64 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,900
2008 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-49 over ST Joseph River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-49 over ST Joseph River in Hillsdale County, Michigan. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 6 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 1,900 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,320 by 2028. The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-49
CrossesST Joseph River
LocationIn Litchfield
RouteState Highway 49
CountyHillsdale County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.04133, -84.75839
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating101.1 US tons
Inventory rating60.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length64 ft (19.5 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.8 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,900 (2008)
Projected traffic2,320 by 2028
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$34,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M-49 over ST Joseph River built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is M-49 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does M-49 over ST Joseph River carry?

About 1,900 vehicles per day (2008 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is M-49 over ST Joseph River?

The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.8 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns M-49 over ST Joseph River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.