US Bridges

Rickerman Road over Dowling Creek

Fair

Berrien County, Michigan · 3 MI S of Galien · Structure no. 000000000013099

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
22 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
57
2007 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rickerman Road over Dowling Creek is a steel culvert carrying Rickerman Road over Dowling Creek in Berrien County, Michigan. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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.

It carries about 57 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 99 by 2027. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRickerman Road
CrossesDowling Creek
Location3 MI S of Galien
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBerrien County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.77292, -86.51329
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating32.2 US tons
Inventory rating19.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic57 (2007)
Projected traffic99 by 2027
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$300,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rickerman Road over Dowling Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rickerman Road over Dowling Creek 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 Rickerman Road over Dowling Creek carry?

About 57 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Rickerman Road over Dowling Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m).

Who owns Rickerman Road over Dowling Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.