US Bridges

Heimbach Road over Portage River

Fair

St. Joseph County, Michigan · 4 MI N of Three Rivers · Structure no. 000000000010326

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
72 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,725
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Heimbach Road over Portage River is a wood or timber slab carrying Heimbach Road over Portage River in St. Joseph County, Michigan. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 1,725 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,832 by 2038. The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHeimbach Road
CrossesPortage River
Location4 MI N of Three Rivers
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySt. Joseph County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.9985, -85.58494
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.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.6 US tons
Inventory rating37.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length72 ft (21.9 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,725 (2018)
Projected traffic1,832 by 2038
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Heimbach Road over Portage River built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is Heimbach Road over Portage 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 Heimbach Road over Portage River carry?

About 1,725 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Heimbach Road over Portage River?

The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Heimbach Road over Portage River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.