US Bridges

M-51 over Dowagiac Creek

Fair

Cass County, Michigan · 0.3 MI W of Dowagiac · Structure no. 000000000001421

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
55 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,127
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-51 over Dowagiac Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-51 over Dowagiac Creek in Cass County, Michigan. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 76 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 8,127 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,890 by 2018. The structure is 55 ft (16.7 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-51
CrossesDowagiac Creek
Location0.3 MI W of Dowagiac
RouteState Highway 51
CountyCass County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.98275, -86.12569
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating105.4 US tons
Inventory rating62.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length55 ft (16.7 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.7 m)
Deck width49 ft (15 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,127 (2007)
Projected traffic17,890 by 2018
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure3
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 M-51 over Dowagiac Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is M-51 over Dowagiac 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 2023.

How much traffic does M-51 over Dowagiac Creek carry?

About 8,127 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is M-51 over Dowagiac Creek?

The structure is 55 ft (16.7 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.7 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns M-51 over Dowagiac Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.