US Bridges

Farrand Road over ST Joseph River

PoorPosted for load

St. Joseph County, Michigan · 1.0 MI NW of Colon · Structure no. 000000000010324

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
312 ft
13 main spans
Daily traffic
1,482
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Farrand Road over ST Joseph River is a wood or timber slab carrying Farrand Road over ST Joseph River in St. Joseph County, Michigan. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 years old, older than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,482 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,574 by 2042. The structure is 312 ft (95.1 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesFarrand Road
CrossesST Joseph River
Location1.0 MI NW of Colon
RouteCounty Highway 7887
Coordinates41.98183, -85.33408
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating30.8 US tons
Inventory rating21.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans13
Design loadHS 20
Structure length312 ft (95.1 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,482 (2022)
Projected traffic1,574 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Farrand Road over ST Joseph River built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Farrand Road over ST Joseph River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

How much traffic does Farrand Road over ST Joseph River carry?

About 1,482 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Farrand Road over ST Joseph River?

The structure is 312 ft (95.1 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Farrand Road over ST Joseph River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.