US Bridges

US-12 over ST Joseph River

Fair

St. Joseph County, Michigan · 0.1 MI E of Cass Col · Structure no. 000000000010267

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
270 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,813
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-12 over ST Joseph River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying US-12 over ST Joseph River in St. Joseph County, Michigan. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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.

It carries about 4,813 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,479 by 2018. The structure is 270 ft (82.3 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-12
CrossesST Joseph River
Location0.1 MI E of Cass Col
RouteU.S. Route 12
CountySt. Joseph County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.79973, -85.75687
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.
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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating93.9 US tons
Inventory rating56.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length270 ft (82.3 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.4 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,813 (2007)
Projected traffic5,479 by 2018
Trucks15%
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

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 US-12 over ST Joseph River built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-12 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US-12 over ST Joseph River carry?

About 4,813 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US-12 over ST Joseph River?

The structure is 270 ft (82.3 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns US-12 over ST Joseph River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.