US Bridges

M-51 over Dowagiac River

Fair

Cass County, Michigan · 3.0 MI S of Van Buren Col · Structure no. 000000000001422

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
55 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,146
2012 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-51 over Dowagiac River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-51 over Dowagiac River in Cass County, Michigan. It was built in 1952 and reconstructed in 2012, so it is 73 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 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 6,146 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,190 by 2032. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM-51
CrossesDowagiac River
Location3.0 MI S of Van Buren Col
RouteState Highway 51
CountyCass County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.02785, -86.1076
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating106.5 US tons
Inventory rating63.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span52 ft (16 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,146 (2012)
Projected traffic7,190 by 2032
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 River built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is M-51 over Dowagiac 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 2023.

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

About 6,146 vehicles per day (2012 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is M-51 over Dowagiac River?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (16 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns M-51 over Dowagiac River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.