US Bridges

Longnecker RD over Bear Creek

Poor

St. Joseph County, Michigan · 0.22 MI W of Fulton RD · Structure no. 000000000014530

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
26 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
57
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Longnecker RD over Bear Creek is a steel culvert carrying Longnecker RD over Bear Creek 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 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.

It carries about 57 vehicles a day, projected to reach 66 by 2041. The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLongnecker RD
CrossesBear Creek
Location0.22 MI W of Fulton RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySt. Joseph County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.0577, -85.3562
Functional classRural Local

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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating91.4 US tons
Inventory rating55 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (8 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic57 (2021)
Projected traffic66 by 2041
Trucks0%
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 Longnecker RD over Bear Creek built?

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

What condition is Longnecker RD over Bear Creek 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 Longnecker RD over Bear Creek carry?

About 57 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Longnecker RD over Bear Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns Longnecker RD over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.