US Bridges

Wattles RD Old M78 over Bear Creek

Fair

St. Joseph County, Michigan · East of Colon · Structure no. 000000000010296

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,496
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wattles RD Old M78 over Bear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wattles RD Old M78 over Bear Creek in St. Joseph County, Michigan. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 1,496 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,588 by 2036. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWattles RD Old M78
CrossesBear Creek
LocationEast of Colon
RouteCounty Highway 7862
CountySt. Joseph County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.9644, -85.30599
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating64.3 US tons
Inventory rating38.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.4 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,496 (2016)
Projected traffic1,588 by 2036
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Wattles RD Old M78 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wattles RD Old M78 over Bear Creek 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 Wattles RD Old M78 over Bear Creek carry?

About 1,496 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Wattles RD Old M78 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.4 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Wattles RD Old M78 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.