US Bridges

Blue Star Mem HWY over Black River

Fair

Van Buren County, Michigan · 0.2 MI S of Allegan Col · Structure no. 000000000010681

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
Prestressed Concrete
Length
220 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,460
2013 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Blue Star Mem HWY over Black River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - single or spread carrying Blue Star Mem HWY over Black River in Van Buren County, Michigan. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 84 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 6 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 6,460 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,612 by 2033. The structure is 220 ft (67.2 m) long and 75 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBlue Star Mem HWY
CrossesBlack River
Location0.2 MI S of Allegan Col
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyVan Buren County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.41571, -86.2574
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81.5 US tons
Inventory rating47.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length220 ft (67.2 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width75 ft (23 m)
Roadway width72 ft (21.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,460 (2013)
Projected traffic6,612 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Blue Star Mem HWY over Black River built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is Blue Star Mem HWY over Black 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Blue Star Mem HWY over Black River carry?

About 6,460 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Blue Star Mem HWY over Black River?

The structure is 220 ft (67.2 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 75 ft wide.

Who owns Blue Star Mem HWY over Black River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.