US Bridges

SR 163 over Portage River

Fair

Ottawa County, Ohio · 3.21 Mi. East of SR 2 · Structure no. 6201628

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 2018
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
344 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,246
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 163 over Portage River is a steel movable - bascule carrying SR 163 over Portage River in Ottawa County, Ohio. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 2018, so it is 92 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 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 3,246 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,505 by 2035. The structure is 344 ft (104.9 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.7 mi (43 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 163
CrossesPortage River
Location3.21 Mi. East of SR 2
RouteState Highway 163
CountyOttawa County
StateOhio
Coordinates41.51563, -82.94302
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating64.3 US tons
Inventory rating39.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length344 ft (104.9 m)
Longest span99 ft (30.2 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,246 (2015)
Projected traffic4,505 by 2035
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.7 mi (43 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible 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 SR 163 over Portage River built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2018.

What condition is SR 163 over Portage 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SR 163 over Portage River carry?

About 3,246 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 163 over Portage River?

The structure is 344 ft (104.9 m) long with a longest span of 99 ft (30.2 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns SR 163 over Portage River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.