US Bridges

M-62 over Dowagiac Creek

Fair

Cass County, Michigan · 1.9 MI W of Dowagiac · Structure no. 000000000001430

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,743
2012 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M-62 over Dowagiac Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M-62 over Dowagiac Creek in Cass County, Michigan. It was built in 1952, 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 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 5,743 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,718 by 2032. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 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-62
CrossesDowagiac Creek
Location1.9 MI W of Dowagiac
RouteState Highway 62
CountyCass County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.98401, -86.16006
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.
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 above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating62.2 US tons
Inventory rating37.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,743 (2012)
Projected traffic6,718 by 2032
Trucks4%
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-62 over Dowagiac Creek built?

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

What condition is M-62 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-62 over Dowagiac Creek carry?

About 5,743 vehicles per day (2012 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is M-62 over Dowagiac Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns M-62 over Dowagiac Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.