US Bridges

Dyckman Avenue over Black River

FairPosted for load

Van Buren County, Michigan · City of South Haven · Structure no. 000000000010808

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
237 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,800
2013 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Dyckman Avenue over Black River is a steel movable - bascule carrying Dyckman Avenue over Black River in Van Buren County, Michigan. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 8,800 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,000 by 2033. The structure is 237 ft (72.2 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesDyckman Avenue
CrossesBlack River
LocationCity of South Haven
RouteCity Street 0
CountyVan Buren County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.40646, -86.27242
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.9 US tons
Inventory rating32.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length237 ft (72.2 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,800 (2013)
Projected traffic10,000 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Dyckman Avenue over Black River built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is Dyckman Avenue 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Dyckman Avenue over Black River carry?

About 8,800 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Dyckman Avenue over Black River?

The structure is 237 ft (72.2 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Dyckman Avenue over Black River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.