US Bridges

Fulton RD over Bear Creek

Fair

St. Joseph County, Michigan · 0.69 MI S of Kline RD · Structure no. 000000000014531

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
24 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,113
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fulton RD over Bear Creek is a steel culvert carrying Fulton 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 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 1,113 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,280 by 2041. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFulton RD
CrossesBear Creek
Location0.69 MI S of Kline RD
RouteCounty Highway 7287
CountySt. Joseph County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.0614, -85.3519
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 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 above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: 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 rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating107.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.3 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 traffic1,113 (2021)
Projected traffic1,280 by 2041
Trucks1%
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 Fulton RD over Bear Creek built?

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

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

About 1,113 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Fulton RD over Bear Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns Fulton RD over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.