US Bridges

Balk Road over Fawn River

Good

St. Joseph County, Michigan · 4 MI SW of Sturgis · Structure no. 000000000010332

Built
2009
16 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
91 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
11
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Balk Road over Fawn River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Balk Road over Fawn River in St. Joseph County, Michigan. It was built in 2009, so it is 16 years old, younger than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 11 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2028. The structure is 91 ft (27.6 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 124.9 mi (201 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBalk Road
CrossesFawn River
Location4 MI SW of Sturgis
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySt. Joseph County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.7653, -85.4671
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating77.7 US tons
Inventory rating46.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length91 ft (27.6 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11 (2003)
Projected traffic20 by 2028
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed124.9 mi (201 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Balk Road over Fawn River built?

It was built in 2009, making it 16 years old in 2025.

What condition is Balk Road over Fawn River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does Balk Road over Fawn River carry?

About 11 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is Balk Road over Fawn River?

The structure is 91 ft (27.6 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Balk Road over Fawn River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.