US Bridges

Fawn River Road over Fawn River

Fair

St. Joseph County, Michigan · 3.5 MI SE of White Pigeon · Structure no. 000000000010288

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
80 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,011
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fawn River Road over Fawn River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Fawn River Road over Fawn River in St. Joseph County, Michigan. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 1,011 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,443 by 2023. The structure is 80 ft (24.3 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFawn River Road
CrossesFawn River
Location3.5 MI SE of White Pigeon
RouteCounty Highway 7812
CountySt. Joseph County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.78051, -85.58305
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionNovember 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length80 ft (24.3 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,011 (2003)
Projected traffic1,443 by 2023
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 Fawn River Road over Fawn River built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fawn River Road over Fawn 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Fawn River Road over Fawn River carry?

About 1,011 vehicles per day (2003 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Fawn River Road over Fawn River?

The structure is 80 ft (24.3 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Fawn River Road over Fawn River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.