US Bridges

Crystal Springs ST over Dowagiac River

Fair

Cass County, Michigan · 1 MI N of Sumnerville · Structure no. 000000000001441

Built
1923
102 years old, rebuilt 2018
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
90 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
306
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Crystal Springs ST over Dowagiac River is a steel truss - thru carrying Crystal Springs ST over Dowagiac River in Cass County, Michigan. It was built in 1923 and reconstructed in 2018, so it is 102 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 306 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 455 by 2035. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCrystal Springs ST
CrossesDowagiac River
Location1 MI N of Sumnerville
RouteCounty Highway 1454
CountyCass County
StateMichigan
Coordinates41.9254, -86.20599
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating38.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic306 (2015)
Projected traffic455 by 2035
Trucks3%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$180,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Crystal Springs ST over Dowagiac River built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2018.

What condition is Crystal Springs ST 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Crystal Springs ST over Dowagiac River carry?

About 306 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Crystal Springs ST over Dowagiac River?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Crystal Springs ST over Dowagiac River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.