US Bridges

SR 249 over St. Joseph River

Fair

Defiance County, Ohio · 0.10 Mi. East of Oh/Ind · Structure no. 2002280

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
199 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
977
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 249 over St. Joseph River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 249 over St. Joseph River in Defiance County, Ohio. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 years old, older than the Ohio average of 47.3 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 977 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,356 by 2035. The structure is 199 ft (60.8 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 249
CrossesSt. Joseph River
Location0.10 Mi. East of Oh/Ind
RouteState Highway 249
CountyDefiance County
StateOhio
Coordinates41.38595, -84.80237
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.6 US tons
Inventory rating32.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length199 ft (60.8 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic977 (2015)
Projected traffic1,356 by 2035
Trucks15%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 SR 249 over St. Joseph River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 249 over St. Joseph 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does SR 249 over St. Joseph River carry?

About 977 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SR 249 over St. Joseph River?

The structure is 199 ft (60.8 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SR 249 over St. Joseph River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.