page_title: US 12–St. Joseph River Bridge
section_title: Design
hierarchical_section_title: US 12–St. Joseph River Bridge / Design
caption_attribution_description: English: Closeup of the arches of the US 12–St. Joseph River Bridge.
context_page_description: The US 12–St. Joseph River Bridge is a three-span camelback bridge in Mottville, Michigan, that carried U.S. Route 12 across the St. Joseph River. Built in 1922, it is the fourth bridge to cross the river at this location. It has served as a pedestrian bridge since 1990 when a new bridge opened alongside to carry the highway. The bridge is the longest surviving camelback bridge in Michigan. It is a Michigan State Historic Site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
context_section_description: The bridge was built from standardized plans developed by the Michigan State Highway Department by the early 1920s. It is located at the western edge of the Village of Mottville. At 270 feet (82 m) in length, it is the longest surviving camelback bridge in Michigan. It consists of three identical, 90-foot (27 m) spans built of reinforced concrete, supported by concrete piers and abutments. Reinforced steel girders form its arches. Each arch has five openings above a row of recesses for decorative effect.
caption: Closeup of the decorative openings and recesses
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